Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the crisp autumn air ushers in the Thanksgiving season, it’s time to pause and appreciate the beauty and bounty that surrounds us. I know a lot is happening in the world right now, but Thanksgiving week is a time for reflection and gratitude. I want to let you know I am thinking of you and appreciate you. Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it's a time to come together and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us.
A new addition to the Thanksgiving season, the National Day of Giving is the perfect opportunity to jump in and give back to the community around us. This year, if you haven’t considered giving to charity as part of your holiday shop-a-thon, I invite you to join the community for the National Day of Giving. For my part, I’ll be doing what I can to help everyone in our community have as thankful a season as me and my family. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s some more about the National Day of Giving and my 3 favorite local charities.
National Day of Giving
The National Day of Giving happens each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, that’s November 28.
So, just what is the National Day of Giving, and when did it start? There are no Claymation movies about the Great Turkey’s Day of Giving, but there are no Santa’s Cyber Monday specials, either. Both holidays have sprung up this century and address the changing dynamics of our time. Though, where Cyber Monday is for shopping from the comfort of your slippers, the National Day of Giving is about giving back to your community in the charitable nature of the season.
There is even a nonprofit organization behind the National Day of Giving called GivingTuesday. Working both to promote giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and to turn every Tuesday into volunteer day all around the world, this New York based organization promotes a simple idea:
“Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.”
This year, I’ll be doing my part during the National Day of Giving and invite you to, as well. If you’re looking for charity ideas, here are my 3 favorite local charities.
Chester County Food Bank
One of my favorite causes, especially this time of year, is making sure everyone in our community has enough to eat. After all, Chester County is a food producer, so we’re bound to have enough to go around. That’s where the Chester County Food Bank comes in. They help collect and distribute food to those in need, helping everyone have a happy Thanksgiving and warm bellies as the weather gets colder. If you want to give to our community but don’t know where to start, the Food Bank is my top recommendation.
Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children
For many years, I’ve supported the Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children, an organization dedicated to addressing another basic need: housing. Dedicated to helping prevent homelessness for families with children, there are few better examples of the true historic character of Chester County coming to the front to do good in our area. Please consider giving to this amazing organization and helping children stay warm this winter.
Community Warehouse Project of Chester County
Going hand-in-hand with the mission to provide housing, the Community Warehouse Project of Chester County finds new life for old furnishings and helps empty houses become homes. If you’re redecorating this season and have furniture that’s in good shape with no space to put it, I recommend donating to the Community Warehouse Project. Let your furniture find a second life in the community around us rather than taking up space in a landfill.
Conclusion
However you get involved this National Day of Giving, remember that every act of generosity counts. It’s not about giving the most or the best, it’s about being part of our wonderful community and participating in the spirit of the season.
If you have a holiday giving tradition, or get out there and join us for the first time, please share your story with me! I’d love to hear how you get involved!
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Jon Ivins
