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belfer center, black friday, community, compliment, deals, donation, family, giving tuesday, holiday, ideas, innovation, kindness, lions pride, movement, nonprofit, online, organization, social impact, thanksgiving, voice
Today is a special day – Thanksgiving, a day where we gather with friends and family to 
reflect on life’s greatest blessings. We love the message behind the holiday, but isn’t it ironic that less than 24 hours from now, many of us will be stampeding through retail stores to find this year’s newest tech gadget or a larger flat-screen TV? Why do we only get the one day to appreciate all that life has to offer, but multiple days dedicated to buying gifts?
The team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact must have had similar questions because, in 2012, they introduced America to Giving Tuesday. The idea is simple. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (this year, it’s November 27) we take the day off from holiday shopping and instead give back.
On Thanksgiving, we give thanks.
On Black Friday, we get deals.
On Cyber Monday, we get online.
On Giving Tuesday, we give back.
How can you give back? That’s the beauty behind this holiday because the answer is any way you wish. You can choose to give time by helping a neighbor in need, give kindness by complimenting a stranger, give hope with a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization, or give knowledge to others with the power of your voice.
Regardless of whether you have $5 or $50, 10 minutes or 10 hours; all that matters is that you give. By finding a way to help your family, friends, community or organization of your choosing, you’ve done more than your part. Let’s join together to start a movement celebrating generosity and giving back.
The Lions Pride Office will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday but are excited to hear how you will be celebrating Giving Tuesday. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!
