Citizen Generation is centered on the belief that giving back can and should be fun, affordable and easy.
With the mission of “creating the habit of giving” through unique programs, Citizen Generation strives to make that effortless and enjoyable way of being involved in philanthropy a reality.
With the holiday season upon us once again, there is never a better time than the present to start your habit of giving, and we can show you how!
During this time of year, it is natural to become flooded with two distinct emotions: the merriment and anticipation of spending time with family and friends and attending parties, and the anxiety of budgeting for all of those gift purchases and travels.
One comforting factor to the frequently chaotic holiday season is that charitable giving is consistently higher during the months of November and December – often when nonprofit organizations need help the most. Not only that, but with the emergence of online donation options, it is now easier than ever to give back during the holidays.
According to several news sources, including USA Today and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, from the mid-2000s to date, there has been a rise in charitable giving and donations, and specifically online giving, during the months of November and December.
In December 2006, USA Today reported on the increase in nonprofits using various avenues on the Internet to ramp up their fundraising efforts during the holiday season.
From website donation options to social media, organizations such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Save the Children are raising thousands and millions of dollars from these means alone.
Moreover, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reported in early 2009 that despite the unstable economy, online giving stayed consistent all year, even growing by four times in the month of December alone.
Ways to give back
For busy holiday travelers, making an online donation may be the perfect way to give back, especially because nonprofits are in great need of monetary income at the end of the year.
To make your holiday donation even more meaningful, look into the option of making your gift in honor or memory of a loved one. Doing this every year is the perfect tradition to add to your holiday routine as a way to celebrate the special people in your life. And by using an online donation option, it can be a five-minute process.
Another popular option for holiday giving is volunteering time. Many organizations such as food banks and soup kitchens need volunteers in November and December much more than other times of the year.
Spending time at these and other nonprofits during the holidays is not only a great way to remember your fortunes in life, but can also be a fun and different way to spend time with your family, friends and coworkers.
New Year’s resolutions
With the holiday season also comes the dreaded New Year’s resolution. I think I speak for many when I admit that there are years when I simply ignore this rite of passage into the New Year out of fear that I won’t be able to see my goal to fruition.
This year, I’m posing a new challenge for myself and for you. Instead of making the normal “get to the gym more often” resolution, what if we all pledge to either donate funds or volunteer for a different organization every month? It can be as little as $10 a month or a few hours on a Saturday, but it can make a big difference.
This type of resolution will help us learn about different nonprofits in the community and help others in return. That sounds like a pretty easy deal to me!
September CharityBash Recap
On Thursday, Sept. 22, CharityBash fans regrouped at Austin hotspot tenOak to support nonprofit organization, the Care Communities. The Care Communities uses volunteer care teams to provide practical and compassionate support for people suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Businessman DJs, complimentary Deep Eddy Sweet Tea cocktails and photo-ops by Gallo Photography created the perfect atmosphere for unwinding at the end of the week.
Many also visited the Care Communities’ booth to learn more about the organization and what it is doing to alleviate the stress of its critically ill patients.
All attendees donated $10 for entrance or $20 to gain a fabulous swag bag filled with goodies from Texas Olive Ranch, Feto Soap, Embellish Nails & Boutique, Snap Kitchen, J. BLACK’S Feel Good Lounge, Fara Coffee, Hail Merry and Mirror Mirror.
The event raised $2,300 for the Care Communities, which could result in 100 rides to medical appointments, 100 grocery-shopping trips or 100 house cleanings for patients.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this CharityBash a success.
Be sure to check out the Citizen Generation website, www.citizengeneration.org, regularly for upcoming events and ways to get involved.
