The end of the year is always centered around the joys of the holiday season. There are presents to buy, gifts to receive and lots of love and thanks to go around. In the midst of all the business the holidays bring, it sometimes feels there is little time to think about giving back to the community, non-profits and causes that aim to do good.

In 2012, the United Nations Foundation collaborated with an organization in Manhattan, 92^nd Street Y, to create what is known as Giving Tuesday. This day falls the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and its purpose is to serve as a reminder that everyone can take a day to do good, give back and celebrate an overall goal of generosity.

According to GivingTuesday.org, this day was started as a response to the ever-growing consumer society and commercialization. “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give,” their website said.

There is a large amount of non-profit organizations here on the Outer Banks that are in need of help. This Giving Tuesday, consider giving back and doing good for a local non-profit, several of which include:

OBX Forever, Dare County Arts Council, The Elizabethan Gardens, Outer Banks Relief Foundation, Outer Banks Community Foundation, any of the food pantries, Room in the Inn, Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men, Hatteras Island Meals, Dare Education Foundation, Interfaith Community Outreach, Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation, Outer Banks Wild Care, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center, Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Outer Banks SPCA and many others.

Whether it’s the organizations listed above, a non-profit from your hometown or a more publicized cause, there are so many people out there in need of assistance. If money is tight, there are always volunteering opportunities to get involved with instead. Whatever it is, Giving Tuesday provides a great opportunity to give back in as many ways as we can.

“Giving Tuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe.”

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