Next week, most of us will run around like chickens, sorry- turkeys with our heads cut off preparing to be thankful for all that we have. Then, the next day, we will run out and buy more.
You know all about Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and the real “feast” for the shopaholics we all know and love. Crazy deals, long lines, general chaos and exhausted retail clerks are the trademarks of this “holiday.”
Then, for those less committed shoppers, there is Cyber Monday. You can fill your carts online from the comfort of your desk chair. Seriously, does anyone do any actual work on Cyber Monday?
This year, I’m planning to skip Black Friday, actually work on Cyber Monday and focus my real attention on #GivingTuesday. Have you heard of it?
#GivingTuesday is Tuesday, December 1, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
Like so many other brilliant programs, #GivingTuesday originated at The 92nd Street Y (92Y) in 2012. “As a proudly Jewish organization,” 92Y, like our JCC, “enthusiastically welcomes and reaches out to people of all ages, races, faiths and backgrounds while embracing Jewish values like learning and self-improvement, the importance of family, the joy of life and giving back to our wonderfully diverse and growing community.”
This year, the JCC will be joining the #GivingTuesday movement. Rather than spending $36 on a sweater your loved one may not even like, make a gift in their name to send a child to camp.
I’ve had the great honor of asking many Jews to describe their favorite childhood memory. You can probably guess the most common response. Camp is the tie that binds our community together. Personally, I never had the opportunity to experience camp. But, I know the joy well. I see it on my daughter’s face at the end of each summer day.
This year, please join me and give the gift of joy.
All donations made to the JCC on #GivingTuesday, December 1, will support the JCC Camp Scholarship fund. $250 will send a child to camp for a week. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and can be made online at www.jewishlouisville.org/federation/donate, over the phone by calling 502-238-2768 or at the front desk at the JCC.
