USA (MNN) — If you're an American, you've probably just
barely finished Thanksgiving dinner. In
fact, you've still got leftovers crowding the shelves in the fridge.
Stores opened early Thursday, so maybe you joined in the shopping marathon
that spilled over to Black Friday, taking advantage of all the holiday deals. Then, there's Cyber Monday…the online
retailers' version of Black Friday (a day when retailers hope to go into the
black in their accounting books).
Feel over-commercialized yet? How about
participating in Giving Tuesday? Non-profit charities like Food for the Hungry are
participating in the second annual #GivingTuesday event today.
What is it? 03 December
is a day where charities and individuals can come together to celebrate the act
of giving. The hope is that #GivingTuesday will become a nationally-recognized
day similar to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It will kick off the season of giving that already exists
with Christmas. Here, however, the focus will be on people in need instead of
family members.
When charities participate, they have the opportunity not
only to celebrate giving, but also to raise awareness for what they do. You
could call it "a day of extra giving."
Any non-profit charity or entity backing a non-profit
charity can partner with #GT by committing to a project for the day. The
charities are then supposed to advertise what they're doing on social media
sites.
This is especially crucial for Christians who want to obey
God's command to reach out to the lost. Many of these partners are Christian
charities who are able to share the Gospel while demonstrating God's love. The giving
movement of #GivingTuesday raises opportunities to share the love of Jesus with
entire communities who would otherwise never know it.
One ministry devoted to sharing the Gospel is Food for the
Hungry. By partnering with the #GT movement, they can create a bigger impact on
the world in the name of God. One way
they do this is by helping communities escape harsh lifestyles.
They are a ministry that utilizes innovative techniques in
order to help more people long-term. Their projects bring innovation to
impoverished people, helping break the cycle of poverty. Some of their projects
include building wells and schools, and teaching farming practices and healthy
habits. All these things teach the needy how to be self-sustaining and to break
out of a harsh lifestyle. Your help could impact entire communities for the
better.
So how can you help? Start by posting about #GT on your social
media sites. You can always pray that many would feel led to give today and
hereafter, and the impact would be felt on a physical and spiritual level.
Check out #GivingTuesday's
site to see what charities are participating. Click here to find out how you can give
to Food for the Hungry.
