Today is Giving Tuesday — “a day that encourages people to do good,” as described on givingtuesday.org.

During last year’s event, data compiled through the site shows an estimated 35 million adults participated, with giving totaling $2.7 billion. That is an inspiring level of generosity.

“This extraordinary show of generosity (in 2021) lit up the world against a backdrop of a dark two years. From every corner of the globe, there were countless amazing stories of kindness, connection, and community,: said Asha Curran, co-founder and CEO of GivingTuesday. “… Giving is an important metric of civic participation, a way to build the kind of society we want to live in.”

Of course it doesn’t take a special day to inspire the spirit of giving here in the Upper Ohio Valley. Organizations such as the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley can help you make the right decision for your giving.

If the idea of a Giving Tuesday gives an excuse to do or give a little extra, by all means, take advantage of it. The previous three days of shopping have reminded us how blessed many of us are to be able to afford such a spending spree. We can’t let pass an opportunity to do something for those who are not so fortunate; nor can we forget the need does not go away once all these specially labeled days end. Give today, and then give what you can, all year long.