Today is the day of global giving: GivingTuesday. 

Let’s go back in time and revisit the history of this day. GivingTuesday was first introduced in 2012 by New York cultural and community center, 92nd Street Y, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Originally, the idea was conceived in reaction to the consumerist holidays of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. What started as a humble idea quickly gained traction, becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

In 2015, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation participated in GivingTuesday for the first time, launching the “I Give Because” campaign. We took the campaign on the road to the ALA National Convention and the members attending in Baltimore that year showed up in a big way. You can read more about it in the November 2015 issue of Auxiliary magazine here. Since 2015, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation has received 4,036 gifts totaling $318,920 for GivingTuesday.  

In a time when people are preoccupied with material consumption and holiday shopping, it’s important to remember that there are opportunities to serve and do good. One of the easiest ways to do that is by giving a financial gift in honor of someone who inspires you to make a positive change in the world. You can donate to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation on GivingTuesday by visiting us here or by texting HONOR to 1-844-940-3450.  

Make this GivingTuesday one to remember by doing something selfless. Don’t overthink it. As long as you make an effort to give back, you’re on the right track. 

To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, visit www.ALAFoundation.org.