Black Friday has come and gone. Chances are you’ve braved the mall at some point this weekend looking for a great deal on a gift for someone, or even a little something for yourself. Next up is Cyber Monday, the day we go online to seek out even more deals. But following all this is Giving Tuesday, a different kind of spending experience.
Started six years ago, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global day for giving to organizations that do good works. Celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, the designated day reminds us that this is also a season in which we are to remember those in need. It’s a day to plan your year-end charitable giving and gifting.
One way to do so is to visit GivingTuesday.org. The website is a resource for both organizations and individuals. The site suggests more ways to give than simply writing a check or clicking the “donate” button. It urges visitors to consider giving their voices to an important cause, their time to an organization that needs volunteers and their talents in the way of pro bono work for a group that could use their expertise. Of course, monetary donations are a priority for most.
You can also direct your gifts of time, talent and treasure right here in the Diocese of Orange. Catholic Charities of Orange County (ccoc.org) is a great place to begin. Visit the website to complete a volunteer form. Donate at OrangeCatholicFoundation.org. The various ministries of the diocese can also help to guide you in your quest to give back. Visit rcbo.org and click on Ministries & Services.
And of course, who doesn’t want to help children? Dec. 8 is the Caterina’s Club Pastathon that raises funds (and collects pasta!) for Caterina’s Club, the nonprofit founded by Chef Bruno Serato of the Anaheim Whitehouse restaurant that feeds more than 2,000 children each day. This year the Pastathon is taking place on the campus of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit caterinasclub.org to donate online or drive over to deliver your donation of pasta and sauce. The goal this year is to raise $350,000 in cash and 90,000 lbs. of pasta.