You’ve likely heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday — the two biggest shopping days of the year. But in 2012, something new emerged: a day dedicated not to spending, but to giving. Giving Tuesday was created by New York’s 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact as a reminder of what the holiday season is really about: community, generosity, and compassion.
(Source: GivingTuesday.org — About)
What started as a small idea in one New York neighborhood has grown into one of the largest philanthropic movements in the world. Today, Giving Tuesday is recognized in 200+ countries and territories, inspiring people everywhere to give, volunteer, and support causes close to home.
(Source: Giving Tuesday – Global Movement)
Each year, this movement mobilizes billions of dollars in charitable giving, showing how powerful generosity can be when people come together.
(Source: Giving Tuesday Impact Reports)
Why Giving Tuesday Matters
Giving Tuesday works because it taps into something universal: everyone has something to give, and every gift — no matter the size — matters.
Research from the Giving Tuesday Data Commons shows that most donations made on Giving Tuesday are small-dollar gifts from everyday people — $5, $10, $25 at a time. It’s the collective impact of thousands of small acts that fuels change.
(Source: Data Commons – Insights)
Giving Tuesday also encourages people to support local organizations. While national nonprofits participate, local contributions create immediate impact, supporting families and programs right here in our community.
Why It Matters Here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
This year, our Giving Tuesday focus is the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) — a lifeline for local families facing urgent, unexpected crises.
Across the region, families are being forced into impossible decisions:
How do you choose between rent or groceries? Medicine or transportation? Heat or housing?
Rising costs and reduced benefits mean more households are falling through the cracks. National research shows:
- Food insecurity has risen significantly as inflation impacts household budgets.
(Source: Feeding America – Inflation & Hardship) - Many Americans now struggle to cover basic expenses or emergency costs.
(Source: Federal Reserve – SHED Report) - Food insecurity continues to affect families across Virginia and the U.S.
(Source: USDA ERS – Food Security Data)
Here in the Blue Ridge, the ERF provides support such as:
- Help for families facing eviction or utility shutoff
- Grocery assistance during financial hardship
- Emergency support for medical or transportation needs
- Immediate stability when families need it most
Every dollar stays local. Every dollar supports a neighbor. Every dollar helps build community resiliency.
The Power of Collective Generosity
Giving Tuesday reminds us that generosity isn’t reserved for a select few — it’s something we all can participate in. Whether you give $5 or $50, volunteer your time, or share our message, you’re part of a global movement rooted in hope, care, and compassion.
And here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, your generosity ensures that no family is left without help during their hardest moments.
How You Can Participate
Tomorrow — Tuesday, December 2 — join millions around the world and thousands across our region by giving to United Way’s Emergency Relief Fund.
Your Giving Tuesday gift helps local families remain stable during the most challenging moments of the year.
Together, we can make sure no one in our community has to choose between food, housing, and healthcare.
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