Giving Tuesday is here!!!! Why Giving Tuesday? Let’s make a list of abundance: 
On Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for excellent food, a warm home and love from friends and family. On Black Friday, I gleefully disdained consumerism– who needs shopping? However, Small Business Saturday was spent patronizing my beloved corner store, for which I can never be thankful enough. Do we do anything on Sunday? I mean, I celebrated ten years as a mother (!!!) but I don’t think we’ve come up with some catchy way of calling the date and luring people to spend their money on Sunday. Yet.
Then Cyber Monday came with its bloated promises of heavy discounts with no lines– only to reveal its tricky conditions and not-quite-what-you-wanted deals. And yes, I succumbed to the siren song of a few deals (thank you for the discounts, J.Crew Factory and Paperless Post), but those were things I needed already. Don’t roll your eyes at me!
Now do you see why we need Giving Tuesday?
As I wrote last year, this holiday was created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Fund to help those who help us year-round. Now in its third year, it’s a perfect fit for the season of gratitude. It’s especially fitting this year, as well, since today is also World AIDS Day.
Here is a list of Hill-based charities to get your philanthropic juices flowing:
Friends of Your Local Library
It’s no secret that your local library is a place of magic, wonder, peace, and the occasional strange happening. Our neighborhood’s two little gems– the Northeast and Southeast Branches– are no different, and they need your support. Click here to donate to your local library or better yet, become a friend! Check it out! (Have I mentioned how much I love the DCPL’s motto?)
Your Local School
We have come a long way in our test scores and our kids are doing well, but I can tell you from first-hand experience that the success of a school has much to do with parent and community involvement. Seeing the work, frustration, dedication, frustration, and fighting spirit in my fellow parents makes me proud to be a part of this community. You can become a part of it as well, even if you’re not a parent. Click here to find out who runs your local school’s LSAT, PTA or PTO, or volunteer at a public school. You can also march into the front office of the school closest to you and ask to donate to their friends’ fund: You’ve been double-dog dared!
SMYAL
This non-profit, headquartered near Eastern Market metro station, provides support for LGBTQ youth in the DC metropolitan region. While things are definitely Getting Better, teens need your support. Help SMYAL continue in their mission and donate following this link.
Serve Your City
What if getting help with math homework, or rowing in the Anacostia in the summer made a HUGE difference in the life of at-risk child? It does and you can help! Serve Your City is a local non-profit that wants to pair at-risk youth with mentors who can help them shape and define their goals. You can help by becoming a volunteer or by donating following this link.
DC Diaper Bank
If you ever want a dose of humility, change a diaper. If you want to change the lives of many, donate to the DC Diaper Bank. Diapers are a necessity that is not covered by supplemental help, and a source of anxiety for low-income mothers and their babies. The worst part is that you can’t just tell a baby to hold it, you know? Donate and keep those bums covered!
Rural Dog Rescue
For many dogs (and cats), especially in rural areas, ending up in a shelter means an 80% chance of being euthanized. Rural Dog Rescue foster these animals and help them escape a certain death, while striving to place them in forever homes. Help the 2015 Hilly Award winners keep going strong!
More good local causes, with links so you can learn more and donate:
Sewall-Belmont House and Museum (read my post about it!)
Capitol Hill Community Foundation
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW)
Get giving!