“Black Friday and Cyber Monday are good for the economy, and #GivingTuesday is good for the soul.” This comment  referring to the official opening of the Christmas shopping season is posted on 92nd Street Y’s website.
This refers to a new movement to rival the holiday powerhouse shopping days, only with a bent toward helping others instead of retailers. “It is a day to celebrate our great tradition of generosity. A day for joining with colleagues, friends and family to support the causes we believe in. A day for giving,” the site says.
Giving Tuesday is the brainchild of the 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit cultural and community center in New York. It has long supported charities in its area, but is trying use the day to encourage giving nationwide.
It was also one picked up on by Christy Tustin of the Golden Belt Community Foundation. She held the first Giving Tuesday event in the area last week.
But, giving nothing new for us around here. From the Salvation Army’s bell ringing campaign to Farmers Bank and Trust’s Light Up a Child’s Christmas to the myriad other holiday efforts to help the needy, we care.
 We know the meaning of Christmas and we know the meaning of giving.
 From ringing bells to buying a toy for a child who is in need, let’s continue to do what we can to help those who are less fortunate.
Dale Hogg