Black Friday is the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. I have no desire to go shopping today. Instead, I will be spending it with my family and celebrating my youngest son’s birthday. I’ll wait until I’m back in Brunswick to shop locally for presents.
I tried to take part in Black Friday last year for the first time. My husband and I decided we’d hit Toys R’ Us by my mom’s house in Massachusetts at the crack of dawn. We promptly went back to my mom’s house after seeing the line of people stretching around the entire strip of big box stores. I’d rather pay the extra money than stand in line. I’m very impatient.
On the blog, it’s Philanthropy Friday. So, in honor of the day, here are 5 ways you can give back on this Black Friday.
- Take advantage of the great deals you find on Black Friday and then donate your finds to a local charity
- Skip Black Friday all together and opt for Small Business Saturday in support of your local community instead
- Shop online at a place like BiddingforGood.com, where you can bid on just about anything and all proceeds support non-profits and schools
- Skip the shopping and volunteer at a local soup kitchen
- Talk with your friends and family about donating to a cause you care about instead of exchanging gifts this Christmas
Sounds a lot more fun and fulfilling than fighting crowds.
How are you incorporating philanthropy into your life this holiday season?
Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please email Jennifer.
Photo Credit: RUSTIC FOLKSY CHRISTMAS GIFTS CLIP ART © Madartists | Dreamstime.com
Tania says
November 28, 2011 at 6:00 pmI didn’t shop the entire “Black” weekend which is huge for me. I’m a shopper but I love the intimate experience of browsing and finding the perfect gift. I disagree with the bait & switch and mob situations created by big box retailers. I also did a post on why I don’t participate in Black Friday and also another on Small Business Saturday.
I love your ideas of different ways to give back. I’m actually working on a post for this week on alternative ways to celebrate and will be including donating to charitable causes or asking loved ones instead of giving gifts to donate to the charity of your choice.
Tania recently posted..Cupcakes and Butterflies…
anotherjennifer says
November 28, 2011 at 8:46 pmThanks for reading Tania. Sounds like we think a lot alike! I wrote a couple post last year on holiday giving and choosing a nonprofit to give to . It just makes sense, doesn’t it? I will keep an eye out for your post!