Most of us have the benefit of having more than we need to live. National Give Something Away Day on July 15th offers us an opportunity to share some of our bounties.
In the United States, giving is on the rise. According to Giving USA, giving rose in all nine major categories in 2016.
- Religion
- Education
- Human services
- Giving to foundations
- Health, public-society benefit
- Arts
- Culture and humanities
- International affairs
- Environment and animals.
Giving benefits us all, too. It improves our community and puts much-needed services and assistance within the reach of those who need it most. The giver also benefits. Giving not only makes us feel good but it teaches gratitude, too. Whether we give financially or by offering our skills and services, we lift others up. Our words can be a gift, too. Showing empathy, encouragement, and compassion to someone during a time of need may make us feel vulnerable, but it empowers those we offer it to as well. You can also share your time with others by volunteering.
While you may not think you have something to give away, you might be surprised. Tangible items like clothing, money, and food aren’t always what’s needed, though they may be the most common. On this day, broaden your goals and organize a give something away fundraiser. Also, look around your community, and identify the places that need you the most. Focus your energies there.
NATIONAL GIVE SOMETHING AWAY DAY HISTORY
Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher founded National Give Something Away Day in 2015 to encourage generosity in a variety of forms.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL GIVE SOMETHING AWAY DAY
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Giving things away brightens someone else’s day
What better way to make your day count, than by making someone else happy? When you make other people happy, you get a sense of peace and happiness that only things like philanthropy can achieve.
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Giving things away gives a sense of lightness
When you get rid of things, your life becomes infinitely more simple and free. The feeling one gets from removing items that you might not have needed or were not using, gives you a sense of freedom.
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Giving Decreases Stress
Less clutter = less stress. The less stuff you have, the less things you have to worry about and the better you will feel. And we all know that how bad stress can be for you and the health benefits of decreasing stress.
NATIONAL GIVE SOMETHING AWAY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | July 15 | Thursday |
| 2022 | July 15 | Friday |
| 2023 | July 15 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 15 | Tuesday |
