When I worked retail in high school and on breaks during college, I used to volunteer to work on Black Friday. Not because I wanted to shop, but because there is something so energizing about being part of a day that officially seems to kick off the holiday season. I worked at a local music store and even though I didn’t love the ugly gray polo and black pants I had to wear, I absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of the biggest deal day of the year.
My goal? To make sure that the customers who were in the mall got to experience at least one happy employee interaction – even if everyone was cranky about having to be at work so early. And to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays,” but that’s probably for a different post 😉
Now I spend more of my time shopping online than in brick and mortar stores, and the more the internet connects me with incredible causes, the more I’m aware of where our money goes. This year I want to invite you to join me in participating in Giving Tuesday with as much enthusiasm as we participate in Black Friday! Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back, to encourage us to purposefully spend our dollars in ways that make a difference.
Sure, there are tons of options you could choose from. I know several amazing organizations that are participating. But this year? Maybe you would want to pray about joining me to help Compassion International fund and launch a brand new Child Survival Program in Gujarat, India – all in one day?
Can you imagine?
$25,000 is what it will take to reach the goal, to provide incredible support in this community, where most mothers are teenagers and few have the resources to provide for their children. Here’s what funding and launching the center would do:
- prepare moms with training to help care for their babies
- help mothers learn to read and write
- give children a safe place to learn and grow
- ensure lifesaving medical care for babies and moms proclaim the hope of God to families living in poverty
Want in? Click here to learn more, and to give.
I’m sharing now so you can plan ahead, to support Compassion on Giving Tuesday or to look for other companies that are participating so you can intentionally and purposefully direct some of your Christmas spending in a way that can help change the world. Help fund this program, sponsor a child, give a one-time donation, or purchase product that employees those who would otherwise be unemployed. Support organizations that free women and children from trafficking. Buy jewelry that funds adoptions. Support a local food bank.
Whatever it is that you do, do something. Together we can make a difference.