#GivingTuesday

New research reveals that the old saying, “it is better to give than to receive,” may just be true.  

Recent studies suggest that volunteers donate their time because they enjoy doing something meaningful and helpful to others. According to Psychcentral.com, a “2010 Do Good Live Well Survey of 4,500 American adults reported 41 percent of volunteered an average of 100 hours a year. Of those who volunteered, 68 percent reported that it made them feel physically healthier; 89 percent said that it improved well-being, and 73 percent believed that it lowered stress levels.”

Besides creating a hopeful feeling and fostering meaning, giving back may also be good for your physical health. Furthermore, giving back may stimulate the release of endorphins in the body, which has been linked to improved nervous and immune system functions. So whether you are donating money or time, giving back proves beneficial for both the giver and the receiver.

Now with the giving (and consuming) season upon us, this is a great opportunity to take part in a movement designed to bring people together around the values of service by celebrating and encouraging giving. According to its website, “#GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.”

Pittsburgh is blessed with many non-profit organizations that support a number of causes from social services to education to animal rescue just to name a few. Do your homework and look for organizations that share your values and interests, and remember there are many worthy causes that need your support. It's important to invest some time when exploring where your donation will have the most impact. This is an important decision because you wouldn't buy a car without researching it first, asking questions or "kicking the tires" if you will,  nor would you invest your money with a company that you didn't thoroughly vet either. Another benefit to researching nonprofits is that it gives you an opportunity to find smaller and little-known organizations in your own backyard that may be more in need of your support than larger, well-known institutions. Talk to your neighbors, friends and co-workers, they may have some ideas and suggestions too!

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

WAYS TO GIVE BACK:

• On #GivingTuesday, December 1, 2015, join with charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world to celebrate a new tradition of generosity. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to find ways you and your family, community, or company can give back. Then use social media to tell everyone about how you are giving.

• For a local impact, find what you are passionate about and look for ways to help in your own neighborhood. There are many organizations that provide opportunities for individuals to donate money, time or skills. Here are a few to options to consider:
  
  The Pittsburgh Cares website, a nonprofit affiliate of the HandsOn Network, offers a searchable database of volunteer opportunities in and around the Pittsburgh region. If you don’t have the time or discretionary funds to support a local cause, take a look at the Pittsburgh Cares Wish List, which is another way to help organizations through much needed donations of goods and items that you already have but may not need anymore.
  
  LinkedIn’s Volunteer Marketplace is where nonprofits access LinkedIn’s advanced search and job posting tools to recruit skilled volunteers and board members.
  
  Volunteer Match connects millions of skilled, passionate professionals around the world with organization's volunteer opportunities.

• In the spirit of giving back and instilling hope, we invite you to join Luminari by sharing messages of hope and appreciation with your own family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to let them know you care and are thinking about them. Little ways of saying: “You’re important, and I just wanted you know” (messages can be either hand written or posted on social media.) We know the holidays can be busy and stressful, however, letting others know you care with a small gesture or reminder may just brighten their day and yours too!

• If you would like to help further Luminari's mission and enhance our programs and financial aid offerings for a significant number of teens, please consider supporting us with a financial contribution that will specifically strengthen the slate of 2016 summer camp experiences. But there are other ways to get involved too, just give us a call at 412-877-1888 or email luminari@luminari.org to discuss ways you can help share our mission.

We hope you find these suggestions helpful in your mission to make a difference and give back. Remember, when you volunteer your time, offer emotional support to a friend or colleague or donate gifts/money to those in need this holiday season, you are working to impact your community and build stronger connections with others, which studies agree, is good for your health.

Happy Giving,

Team Luminari