SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Today is Giving Tuesday, a worldwide generosity movement aiming to raise funds for nonprofits and communities. Every Tuesday after Thanksgiving, organizations, small businesses, schools and corporations come together to celebrate the event.
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. The center urged shoppers to consider donating to charity after doing their holiday shopping. The campaign immediately follows Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, as well as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
In Santa Cruz County, a number of groups began reaching out about Giving Tuesday early in the month, via the hashtag #GivingTuesday on social media. Those involved this year include the Watsonville Film Festival, Pregnant Mare Rescue, The Diversity Center Santa Cruz County, Save Our Shores and many more.
Those organizations say that in a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic, giving to charity is more important than ever—but also hard for many who are also struggling financially.
But organizers say that every little bit helps.
“2020 has been a rough one… Many of our fundraising opportunities are halted as we navigate this pandemic,” Lynn Hummer, Founder and President of Pregnant Mare Rescue said in a press release. “We understand that finances are tight so we want you to know… any amount is greatly appreciated.”
To learn more go here. Contact your favorite local organization to see if they are involved in this year’s Giving Tuesday.
