December is National Giving Month! It is appropriately designated as it is the time of year that most people give to help meet the needs of hurting people and families in our communities. Just like most retailers, nonprofit organizations like, GSSA, receive most of their donations during the holiday timeframe.
This is not surprising as December is a month full of holy and secular observances such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Boxing Day. In the Christian church, is it the time we stop to celebrate God sending Christ to the earth as a gift to mankind, the Wise Men presenting Christ with gifts at this birth, and the time we most often give, demonstrate kindness, spread joy and the peace of our Savior.
As people celebrate with their families, they often count their blessings and make a greater effort to help those in need. It is also a time when people want to ensure that they can receive an end of the year tax write off by giving generously to their favorite nonprofit charity.
According to nationalgivingmonth.org:
Last year, Americans gave $410.2 billion to charity (breaking all previous records)
One third (31%) of annual giving occurs in December
12% of all giving happens in the last three days of the year
28% of nonprofits raise as much as 50% of their funding in December
Despite hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and divisiveness caused by political, racial, social and economic tensions, Americans are giving more than ever before. People are giving to causes in accordance with their interests, views and beliefs and are volunteering in record numbers to help improve the life of others.
According to a proclamation to be declared by the federal government this December, National Giving Month will serve to help:
Celebrate the humanity, generosity and volunteerism that unites people of all walks of life;
Recognize people who go out of their way to help improve the lives of others in their communities;
Promote and strengthen a vital and dynamic charitable and philanthropic movement that contribute to helping make the world a better place to live for all people;
Celebrate people and organizations that give financially to support the local, state and national human service issues facing our communities;
Encourage nonprofit and charitable organizations, like GSSA, to try to address the numerous socio-economic challenges that prevent people from living to their fullest potential; and
Highlight civic engagement and responsibility and encourage the spirit of community service in a shared manner that transcend race, religion, gender, age, disability, region, income and education.
It is heart-warming to know that kindness and generosity has not gone out of style during these often contentious and turbulent times we live in. No matter what your reason for giving, we encourage you to continue giving generously this month to your favorite charity, including GSSA, especially on Giving Tuesday, November 30, 2021!
We appreciate your consideration and thank you in advance for your support!
Sources:
https://nationalgivingmonth.org/
https://nationaltoday.com/month-giving/