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Giving Tuesday is a global day that encourages people to open their hearts, and usually their wallets, to give to charities in their communities. This day of generosity always falls on the first Tuesday after the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving in the US).
The holiday started in 2012 as a simple idea of a day that encourages generosity and kindness through giving, according to the Giving Tuesday organization. It has grown into a global movement that encourages people to give and celebrate generosity whether it is through donations or kind acts.
While some people can make financial donations to the causes they support, for people on a budget during these tough economic times there are many ways to give without breaking the piggy bank. Here are four no-cost ways to give.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, according to NPR, because it allows you to have a relationship with the organization you support. You can even involve the entire family by helping to walk dogs at an animal rescue or cleaning up litter in a park. Other ideas include serving in a soup kitchen or visiting residents of a nursing home. These activities do not have to be limited to Giving Tuesday; you can make volunteering part of your routine by participating in Good Deeds Day, the global day of doing good, on April 12 in 2026 or any day.
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Giving Blood
There is always a need for blood so if you are over 18-years-old, you can donate blood, stressed the FunFitnessFamily website. You can give at a local blood drive, hospitals, or blood banks. Besides giving whole blood, you can donate platelets or plasma. The entire process takes about an hour so you can even schedule it during your lunch break. While you are there you can be tested to see if you are a stem cell match. Saving a life is the highest form of giving.
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Donate Clothing and Household Items
Decluttering your home or cleaning out your closet are great ways to help others. A good rule to follow is that if you haven’t worn something or used an item in over a year, than it is time to pass it on. Giving to Goodwill, an organization that helps train people for employment, or any charity affiliated thrift shop is a good way to give to people in need.
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Organize a Drive
If you are enthusiastic about a cause then why not organize a drive to support them, suggested a blog on BackPackUSA. Partner with a charity to find out their needs, find a location, hang up some posters, and promote your drive on social media. You can organize a food drive and collect canned goods, a diaper drive, pet food drive, or a hygiene drive to collect soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. This is something you can do any time of the year.
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