What Is Giving Tuesday?

By Jude Henrie

The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind. We rush from Thanksgiving feasts to the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. But after the deals are done and the shopping bags are full, there is a day dedicated to a different kind of spirit. December 2, 2025, is Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It serves as a reminder to pause during the busy holiday season and support the causes that we care about. It’s a holiday that invites all of us to shift our focus from consumerism to community. 

The movement began in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The organizers wanted to create a day that celebrated giving back, just as other days celebrated shopping. Since then, Giving Tuesday has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that inspires millions of people to participate in the joy of charitable giving.

We Need Your Help!

Donations are the heart of all charity work. Each and every dollar donated is carefully planned to be used for good. At Rayola, any amount helps us change the lives of children who may need it most — whether that’s purchasing fabric and supplies for quilts and stockings, providing essentials for our comfort kits, or supporting the events and volunteer efforts that bring our community together. During this time of year, we also have sponsors that are willing to match your donations — meaning there couldn’t be a better day to make the most of your donation!

Why Giving Matters

The holiday season often feels like the most magical time of year because of a communal desire to give. Giving does more than just help an organization; it helps the giver as well. Research shows that generosity has profound effects on our brains and bodies.

When we give, our brains release "feel-good" chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. Psychologists often call this the "helper’s high." Giving can also lower stress levels and reduce cortisol, a hormone that is linked to anxiety. Furthermore, studies suggest that people who volunteer or support their communities may live longer, healthier lives. But beyond science, giving connects us. It strengthens our ties to our neighbors and reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

How You Can Give this Giving Tuesday

We could not do what we do without your support. While monetary donations are vital, there are many other ways to contribute to our mission.

On December 2, 2025, we would love for you to donate to our cause. But almost more importantly, we need you to help spread our message.

Here are ways you can help Rayola without spending any money:

• Subscribe to our newsletter. Stay updated on our projects and needs.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Engage with our community online.

• Send our newsletter to your family members. Help us reach new people who might want to help.

• Share our Facebook and Instagram posts. A simple share can reach dozens of potential donors or volunteers.

• Read and share a blog post from our website. Educate others about the needs of children in foster care.

• Attend a sewing day or other Rayola event. We always need hands to help assemble kits and quilts.

• Donate fabric. We accept cotton fabric that we can use for quilts and pillowcases.

• Donate quilt tops or Christmas stockings. If you sew, your finished tops allow us to complete quilts faster.

Even More Ways to Give

If you don’t have as much time during this busy time of year, we completely understand. Sometimes the easiest way to show that you care is through some old-fashioned cash. To help through a digital contribution, we have links to both PayPal and Venmo on our website. If you would like to write a check, either to drop off, or mail to us, it will be easiest for you to mail it to: P.O. Box 594 West Branch, MI 48661. Additionally, if you want to be a consistent donor, ask us about ways you can use retirement funds to save money as you give!

Mark Your Calendar: Join Us on December 2

If you want to feel the warmth of this holiday, you’re welcome to stop by our building to make an in-person donation or have a tour — those who can come by will receive exclusive Giving Tuesday stickers! We’d love to meet you! As the date gets closer, we ask you to think about the impact you can make. Whether you share a post on Facebook, make the time to stop by to see us in person, or even find a few minutes to donate through our website, we couldn't be more grateful! Let’s be the positive change this world needs this holiday season.