Giving Tuesday is my favorite day of the year! What is Giving Tuesday? It’s a global generosity movement celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year. It’s a chance for people worldwide to come together and do something good like donate to a charity, volunteer time, or spread kindness.

Last year on Giving Tuesday, $3.1 BILLION was donated to charities in the United States alone! And that’s just the financial contributions. Think of all the non-monetary acts of generosity: neighbors helping neighbors, communities pulling together to aid families in need, and individuals showing up for one another in ways that no amount of money can measure.

This day reminds me of the power we all have to make a difference. It doesn’t take a big bank account—just a big heart and a willingness to act.

How can you get involved?

Here are a few ways you can make an impact this Giving Tuesday:

Support Local Organizations. Look into non-profits, mutual aid networks, and community organizers near you. Setting up a monthly donation can create consistent support for a cause you care about.

Volunteer Your Time. Not sure where to start? Websites like VolunteerMatch.org make it easy to find opportunities in your area. Whether you have a couple hours a month to volunteer in-person or the skills to help out with social media or fundraising, your time is invaluable to non-profit organizations.

Spread Kindness. Here are a few simple acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day:

• Donate food to a pantry or blankets to an animal shelter.

• Organize a toy drive or collect socks for people experiencing homelessness.

• Write a letter to a stranger in a nursing home or prison.

• Pay for someone’s coffee or meal.

• Send a card to a friend or loved one.

Why Generosity Matters

The truth is that our circumstances can change in an instant. A financial crisis, a mental health struggle, fighting for our civil rights, or navigating a complex legal system—these challenges are universal, and many of us are just one twist of fate away from needing a helping hand.

That’s why Giving Tuesday means so much to me. It’s a day to remind ourselves that our small actions, whether donating money, volunteering, or spreading kindness, add up to something big and meaningful.

Organizations I Love to Support

If you’re looking for a cause to support, below are some of the organizations I regularly support and why.

ACLU

As a Hispanic LGBTQ woman and an empathetic person who cares deeply about the humanity and dignity of others, I became a supporting member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) a few years ago.

Founded over a century ago, the ACLU is a beacon of hope, working to preserve the promises of the US Constitution and expand the reach of its guarantees. As a non-partisan non-profit, the ACLU fights passionately for the civil rights of every group and individual.

The ACLU has been involved in several groundbreaking Supreme Court cases over the years including Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade. With staff and volunteer attorneys, they handle close to 2,000 court cases each year.

Today, the ACLU is on the front-line, spearheading battles for equality across the spectrum—people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, prisoners, immigrants, and those with disabilities.

They're also at the forefront of issues surrounding free speech and voting rights, fighting for a society where every voice is heard and everyone is treated with the dignity they deserve.

Donate to the ACLU

Equal Justice Initiative

Earlier this year I wrote a whole blog about the best book I’ve ever read in 2016 and how it led me to be a monthly donor of the Equal Justice Initivative (EJI).

EJI is a national non-profit providing legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. They challenge the death penalty and provide re-entry assistance to formerly incarcerated people.

In 2018, EJI opened the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice as part of their national effort to create new spaces and memorials that address the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial segregation. I had the privilege of experiencing these phenomenal sites in 2021 with my nephew.

EJI doesn’t just advocate for justice; they redefine it. They don't just talk about change; they build it, brick by brick, exhibit by exhibit. I highly recommend a trip to Montgomery, Alabama and supporting this worthy cause.

Donate to Equal Justice Initiative

To Write Love on Her Arms

I became a supporter of To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) in 2014 after learning my ex lost his brother to suicide. I also have friends and family who struggle with addiction and depression or who lost a loved one to suicide.

TWLOHA is a national non-profit movement dedicated to finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. It's more than an organization; it's a lifeline that exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and, most importantly, invest directly in the treatment and recovery of those who need it most.

In 2020, this organization became an even bigger part of my heart. My sister Amanda struggled with alcohol dependency for many years and then died from fentanyl laced cocaine. In her memory, I’ve made a number of donations and hosted several fundraisers, like the 150-mile cycle challenge I completed last year that raised $1,300 and the 300,000 step challenge I completed this year that raised $3,300.

TWLOHA has a great Find Help tool on their website to find free or reduced cost resources in your area. In a world that can feel overwhelmingly dark, we all deserve to feel loved and supported and TWLOHA makes that a reality for so many people.

Donate to To Write Love on Her Arms

The Trevor Project

Another organization working tirelessly to prevent suicide is The Trevor Project. This organization focuses on LGBTQ+ youth, providing a 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, virtual community support, and educational resources that empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

Before The Trevor Project, there was Trevor, an award-winning short film made in 1994. In just 16 minutes, it artfully unwraps a tale of heartache and resilience, exploring the challenges faced by a teen confronting homophobia.

The film tackles attempted suicide in a surprisingly lighthearted way, but at the center is the important point that navigating differences in sexuality can be extremely confusing and isolating to young people. Finding little glimmers of hope, like someone who understands, can save lives.

In 1998 the story of Trevor was transformed into a full-fledged mission through The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a lifeline that provides unwavering support to those navigating the complexities of their identity. Your donation isn't just a contribution; it's a pledge to be part of a movement rewriting the stories of despair into tales of hope, like the original Trevor film.

Donate to The Trevor Project

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday unforgettable. Together, we can create a ripple effect of goodness that extends far beyond this one day. Will you join me?

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

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