How to Make a Difference This GivingTuesday
In its 11th year, GivingTuesday continues to inspire those around the globe to do good this holiday season.
By Sydney Kerelo
In 2012, GivingTuesday started as an idea to engage people around the globe to do good within the world. Now, 11 years later, the Organization continues to do just that.
GivingTuesday has inspired thousands to give back to their communities and make giving a central part of daily life. Based across six continents, millions of leaders and people work together to improve their communities each year with the support of GivingTuesday. And this year is no different.
Each year, GivingTuesday falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, making Nov. 28, 2023, this year’s annual day to give. But what is Giving Tuesday, and why is it so important?
What is GivingTuesday?
Born out of the 92nd Street Y (Young Men’s Hebrew Association) and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City, GivingTuesday began as a dream for change and has grown tremendously.
Made up of grassroots leaders, GivingTuesday has raised billions of dollars for nonprofit organizations, focused on at-risk youth to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). With 90 national movements and serving more than 300 communities worldwide, the Organization helps to promote millions of generous acts a year.
“Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all line in,” writes GivingTuesday’s website.
This GivingTuesday, consider donating to KenCrest and help us continue to support people with IDD to thrive and live meaningful lives.
Why is it important to give?
In 2022, the largest source of charitable giving came from individuals, writes the National Philanthropic Trust. About $319.04 billion was given, representing 64 percent of the total giving from the year. The primary donations went to religious organizations, human services, education, grantmaking foundations, and health.
But while the monetary donations are helpful to organizations, volunteering creates a significant impact. It allows a person to meet new people and gain new skills while doing something for a good cause.
According to Suma Health, volunteering makes a huge difference in the lives of others, and it also has health benefits: “Researchers have found that volunteering can give you a positive attitude, increased social interaction, and physical activity—all things that make a healthier person in the long run.”
Volunteering helps increase one’s social interaction, which can lower the risk of depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. It enables the body to release endorphins during positive social contact, increases one’s physical activity, helps to reduce stress, and can even help lower one’s blood pressure.
How can you help?
At KenCrest, one can give back to their community in multiple ways, including donating to the annual Rev. Harvey Davis Family Fund. Since 1999, KenCrest has raised donations to support numerous families undergoing hardships around the holiday season. Last year, the Family Fund raised over $30,429 in donations from around 82 donors, with hopes to do more this year.
Participants can even adopt a family, either a small (2-3 people), medium (4-6 people), or a large family (7+ people) to support. Families receive anything from educational items, i.e., books or pencils, to toys and winter clothing.
The Rev. Harvey Davis Family Fund accepts donations between Nov. 27 and Dec. 6th at the KenCrest Corporate Offices (960A Harvest Drive, Ste 100, Blue Bell, PA 19422) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
If you want to support a local family in need this holiday season or donate towards KenCrest, click the links below!