#GivingTuesday is a day dedicated to the act of giving. It falls on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, post-Thanksgiving days centered around bargain-shopping for the December gift season. Individuals and corporate donors from more than 98 countries also observe #GivingTuesday.

On Nov. 28, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) community will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Our focus is on raising money for our ALA Foundation — which enables us to help our veterans in a various ways.

The retail world has benefited from the coordinated national shopping days Black Friday and Cyber Monday across many brands and platforms. #GivingTuesday has the same effect for organizations dedicated to serving our communities through philanthropy.

How did #GivingTuesday start?

New York’s 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit cultural center, was the catalyst for the creation of #GivingTuesday, in 2012. The United Nations Foundation got involved, bringing its strategic clout to the project. An amazing team of influencers then offered their ideas, contacts, and wisdom to help shape and improve the concept. A powerful list of corporations and non-profits agreed to be founding partners, helping spread the word and committing to their #GivingTuesday initiatives.

Since then, countless organizations, leaders, and individuals have all added their support and talents to make #GivingTuesday a reality. In 2016, #GivingTuesday generated about $177 million in donations to various causes and philanthropic groups. But it all starts with donations, of any amount, coming from all of us.

So mark Nov. 28th on your calendars as #GivingTuesday … and don’t forget to give!

It’s not too early to start giving! 

Are you an ALA member who will be at National Convention? Visit the #GivingTuesday booth during the National Convention sessions and help raise money for the ALA Foundation. While you’re there, fill out a “I give because” sign, don some props, and smile for the camera.