Giving Tuesday, often stylized as #GivingTuesday for the purposes of hashtag activism, refers to the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving. It is a movement to create an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. Giving Tuesday was initially started in 2011 and called Cyber Giving Monday and was the brain child of the non-profit Mary-Arrchie Theater Company and then Producing Director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia urging donors to take a different approach to filling up an online virtual cart with goods. The push was moved to Tuesday the following year as to not compete with Cyber Monday by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season (Black Friday and Cyber Monday).  This is how Giving Tuesday is explained on Wikipedia.

For me the concept of giving shouldn't be limited to one day.  What if I forget that day?  What if I can't give on that day?  So let me offer this nugget of JR Wisdom.  Let's take this season of busy activity and think of it as a Season of Giving.  Make it a point to donate to, support on social media, volunteer, or just get involved with a local cause you believe in.  Money is not the only way you can give.  So let's take this time of year each year and ask this question, Can I Give Back to the Community in someway this season?

In Memphis here are a few Local Non Profits doing amazing things. Check them out and consider make a donation or finding someway to give to them during this Season of Giving.

Merge Memphis

Hi! We are Keith and Sherry McClure, co-founders of Merge Memphis. We are both full-time nurses, trying to make a difference in our communities. Merge Memphis is a faith based 501c3 non-profit in Memphis, TN. We have a strong passion and are led to help those less fortunate.

Our Goal is simple, we’re working to feed hungry people. Whether at shelters, through family food box delivery, or in the streets. We help find homes for the homeless in conjunction with partners and clothe those who need clothing by supplying clothes for shelters and individual families in the greater Memphis area.
Website  |  Donate

Refuge Memphis

Founded in 2012, Refuge Memphis is a 501 ( c) 3 charity whose mission is to impart hope in time of need with food, clothing, emergency shelter, and educational pathways for individuals and families living in poverty in Shelby County, Tennessee.  Its programs are being unified to operate as Operation Reach Out. Operation Reach Out uses a three-phase approach, Reactionary, Corrective, and Preventive in nature.  All of which are designed to help break the cycles of generational poverty, crime, and social program dependence in Shelby County, TN.
Website | Donate

Madonna Learning Center

Madonna Learning Center provides a nurturing faith-based educational and social environment that empowers children and young adults with special needs to reach their full potential while offering support to their families.

Madonna Learning Center is committed to the belief that our children and young adults, regardless of their disability, can succeed and build vital academic, social and work-related foundations. Our goal is simple – to develop our students so they may be able to live independently and be valuable contributors to their community.
Website | Donate

Memphis Youth Symphony Program

The Memphis Youth Symphony Program provides quality music education and performance opportunities for a diverse student community. We aspire to foster musical growth and create a positive environment that cultivates lasting friendships and inspires the musical leaders of tomorrow. 
Website | Donate

Memphis Symphony Orchestra

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, under Music Director Robert Moody, strives to enrich the lives of our diverse community through exceptional music and dynamic programs. More than 400 musicians, staff and volunteers make up the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Chorus and the Memphis Symphony League, operating educational programs, organizing community engagement events and performing concerts. Find information about all upcoming performances, ticket purchases, special events, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s involvement in the Memphis community.
Website | Donate

Memphis Jazz Workshop

Under the artistic direction of founder Stephen M. Lee, Memphis Jazz Workshop is a non-profit organization committed to cultivating young musicians by providing learning and performance opportunities with professional artists while embracing Jazz as our regional art form. Memphis Jazz Workshop was formed under the umbrella of LeeJazzOmega, Inc.
Website | Donate

Step By Step MS

Our Mission is to empower, equip improve and support the quality of lift through advocacy and education for all affected by Multiple Sclerosis directly and indirectly. The goal is to provide tips and features on Diet & Recipes, Fitness & Exercise, Work & Travel, Mental & Emotional Health, plus helpful things you can do around the home.
Website | Facebook

Girl Scouts Heart of the South

We're 2.5 million strong—1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.
Website | Donate

Indie Memphis

Rooted in our city's unique creative legacy, Indie Memphis -- through diverse year-round programming, a world-class annual festival, and ongoing efforts to include new voices, new media, and new audiences -- connects the Memphis community while cultivating interest in, and development of, independent film.

An ArtsMemphis supported 501(c)3 non-profit and silver-level GuideStar Exchange participant. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Website | Donate

No More Silence Foundation

A movement created by a Memphian name LaTrossica Wilson to help inspire victims of child- incest rape to SPEAK OUT early. As a victim of child- incest rape LaTrossica is taking a stand and speaking out about her attacks. Her hope is bring awareness to this horrible crime so that other children and families can get the help they need sooner than later.
Website | Donate