Tuesday’s for giving
Giving Tuesday, held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a day to emphasize charity. Started in 2012, it’s observed by many people and organizations, but would become much more effective with greater government support.
A nationally recognized Giving Day could be established as a time for:
▪ Individuals to reflect on how they have helped others during the past year and to plan ways to give to those in need during the coming year.
▪ Schools and businesses to encourage charitable works by students and employees, ideally by allowing participation in special projects on that day.
▪ Government leaders to salute exemplary philanthropic efforts, especially by the president awarding states with the greatest increase in their percentage of charitable giving from the prior year — as measured by IRS returns — and for governors to similarly recognize counties and cities in their jurisdiction.
If done right, Giving Day could become a great way for us to celebrate and enhance the generosity that has always been an intrinsic part of being American.
Karl Miller, Coral Springs
This story was originally published December 1, 2014 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Tuesday’s for giving."