December 1, 2020 was the National Day of Giving, which is also often called Giving Tuesday. This day, which is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, encourages people to give back and give to others. It's not too late to give and one of the best ways you can help is to give of your time. 
What better way to do that than to give your time to someone in need, a charity you support, or another cause or organization that matters to you? There are countless ways you can help on a day like Giving Tuesday, whether you want to do something big for a large group or something small for someone close to you. It will all add to the love, joy, and care of the holiday season.
What Does Giving Tuesday Mean to You?
After you've spent your weekend shopping and looking for great deals to provide gifts for your friends and family members, the National Day of Giving is a good reminder to also give to people who are less fortunate. There are many people who fall into that category, and even if finances may be tight for you or your family this year there are many amazing ways to help that will have a big impact on the people around you.
Anytime people look at their favorite causes or charities, it's an excellent reminder of the need to lift up other people during a time of year when generosity abounds and those who struggle may be able to get a little bit of extra, much-needed help. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, charities, businesses, families, students, community centers and more locations around the world come together for the common purpose of celebrating generosity and giving to others.
What Could Giving of Your Time Mean to Others?
When you give of your time, you can make a difference in the life of another person. Whether it's watching your neighbor's children for free that day, so they can take some time for themselves, serving food at a soup kitchen or food bank, helping out at your local church, or simply posting uplifting information on your social media accounts, you can affect other people with the time you give to them.
There's no reason to focus on material items all the time, as there are many other valuable things in life. The time that you're able to give to another person, or to an important organization or cause, is something that's selfless and falls under the true spirit of giving. Those who are less fortunate need much, but mostly they need to know that someone cares about them. You can be that person, if only for a little while, to brighten their day and help them make it through.
What Can You Do To Get Involved?
You can take advantage of holiday deals to add to your giving if you want and are able to, but giving of your time is even more valuable. By doing that, you'll provide people who are struggling with some extra hope and help during the holidays. The power of social media can help you get your message out, as well, so other people will also give their time to work with others and do what they can for the less fortunate people around them.
Asking your friends and neighbors what they need, checking with local charities to see if they're looking for volunteers, and keeping your eyes open for those who might look like they could use a helping hand are all significant ways you can find out how to spend your time on the National Day of Giving. Even small plans can make a big difference to someone who needs some extra help.
What Needs Do You See In Your Community?
Your community is unique, and you might find needs there that you wouldn't see in another type of community. By paying close attention to what's around you and the type of people you interact with, it becomes easier to see what your community may be looking for. Whether it's a more affluent area or one where there are a lot of needs, if you're able to give of your time on Giving Tuesday you can make sure someone less fortunate than you knows that they matter and are cared for. They may not have a lot of hope otherwise, and making a difference in the life of someone else can have a positive and lasting impact on your own life, as well.
