BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – (KBAK/KBFX) — The Tuesday following Thanksgiving, known as Giving Tuesday, serves as a reminder to give back to the community. While monetary donations are appreciated, organizations emphasize that volunteering time or spreading awareness can also significantly impact areas like Kern County.
Henry Timms, the executive director of the 92nd Street Y in New York, collaborated with the United Nations Foundation in 2012 to create Giving Tuesday. Timms said the initiative was designed to provide people with a meaningful way to spend their money after the consumer-driven Black Friday and Cyber Monday. His goal was to encourage people to give back through donations, volunteering, or supporting local causes in any way possible.
Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has evolved into an international movement that inspires generosity, collaboration, and celebration. In 2022 and 2023, the initiative raised approximately $3.1 billion for charity.
In Kern County, several organizations are welcoming contributions. The Kern County 999 Foundation honors fallen peace officers, CASA of Kern County supports youth in the foster system, Links for Life aids those affected by breast cancer, the Kern County Cancer Foundation provides cancer support services, and CityServe collaborates with churches and other organizations to bring community change.
Each of these organizations welcomes monetary donations, volunteers, and support through word of mouth or social media. Amid holiday shopping, Giving Tuesday offers an opportunity to give back to the local community.
For more information on Giving Tuesday or to find other organizations to support, visit givingtuesday.org.