Giving Tuesday, observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a day when people donate to charity. Individuals choose where they want to donate based on how they want to make a difference in the world. The celebration began in 2012 as a simple idea, but it has grown significantly throughout the years and is now the leading day for philanthropic donation. On Giving Tuesday, people are able to reach many charities that contribute to different causes, such as education, human rights, animal activism, and more.

      Several organizations have taken part in this event. No Kid Hungry assists school meal programs and provides grants and advocates for policy change. Since the beginning of Covid-19, the hunger rate has increased, so by donating a single dollar, one could provide up to 10 meals for hungry families.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, including accident victims, transplant patients, and cancer patients. By donating blood or money to the American Red Cross, one can help those in need. The LHS Key Club, for example, also hosted its annual Blood Drive on Nov. 24, just days before Giving Tuesday. 

      At LHS, a few clubs have participated in Giving Tuesday. The Student Council of Excellence approves grants for the Lynbrook school district through donations and funds made from the club. According to senior and club President Mia Teleman, “The Student Council of Excellence raised $1,415 through a Facebook fundraiser.” The club raises money for the Excellence in Education Foundation, which is an outside organization that approves grants given to the Lynbrook school district and they receive money to be used for grants from donations that the club raises. Other fundraisers the club has hosted include a volleyball tournament. 

     The LHS SCOPE club, which raises money for children with special needs to attend sleepaway camp, also participated in Giving Tuesday. Past fundraisers have included a Dine and Donate at Savinos and a fundraiser at a Hofstra men’s basketball game. 

“At a Junior Leadership Council meeting, we were told that SCOPE was participating in Giving Tuesday, and we knew we wanted our club members involved,” said Co-president Emma Ward. Club members posted donation links and posters on social media all day, while also sending messages to family and friends. 

Co-president Sophie stated, “I was really happy to be able to raise money for SCOPE on Giving Tuesday. The club members posted on their social media to get donations, and I was so proud of everyone who raised money. I am always so happy to support SCOPE.” 

     In addition, LHS held toy, food, and clothing drives to provide for those less fortunate during the holidays. The Key Club and SGA are currently hosting a joint drive for Rock and Wrap It Up, and the National Honor Society is hosting one for Little Saint Nick.

One does not need to donate money or volunteer in order to contribute to the community. By simply being kind, displaying gratitude, and raising one’s voice against injustice, Giving Tuesday can be observed by all.