You've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Both are almost considered national holidays, but here's a new one to add to your calendar, Giving Tuesday.
"I think we need to get back to the true meaning of Christmas and focus on that instead of fighting over a 40 inch tv," says Rosemary Duszynki.
That's why organizations in Michiana are joining thousands across the country, encouraging people to give online.
"It's the season for sharing, it's the season for caring, it's the season for giving and we hope they'll remember their favorite non-for-profits during that time," says Cyndy Searfoss, director of communications for Hospice Foundation.
"I think there's a lot of commercialism in the holidays and everybody is aware of that and I think it makes people feel good to be able to balance what they're doing for their own families with what they're doing for families in need," says Beth Mengel, director of communications at YMCA of Michiana.
"You have days for deals, days for shopping, you have Thanksgiving Day, but what does it really mean to give back?" says Missy Kauffman Schrock, director of development at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Whether your money goes towards people receiving hospice care, scholarships for college students, or kids in after school programs. They say every bit helps and the giver benefits as well.
"More and more people are discovering that there's much more that the giver receives when they give, when they share," says Mengel.
Giving Tuesday may not get the hype of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but people we talked to say they hope it catches on!
"I think there's a lot of families out there who need help, giving would be a way of showing that," says William Nash.
"I do think people forget about the true meaning of Christmas and that would get us back to thinking how blessed we are and to give back to people who are less fortunate," says Duszynki.
And they say a day like this is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. If you're interested in participating in Giving Tuesday click here.
