By Monica Sager, SDI Intern
It’s that time of year again: the season of giving. We give thanks, spread the joy, and support one another. This is the season of happiness, gratefulness, and community. We come together with hopes of ensuring that each and every person and business is taken care of and looked after. #GivingTuesday helps launch the season of giving and is a symbol of this spirit as we open our hearts and wallets to support our favorite nonprofits.
#GivingTuesday has taken on even deeper meaning.
Due to COVID-19, we have to be careful and aware of rippling effects from how we celebrate the holidays this season. Many organizations have gone to a solely online platform. Others have allowed for customers to still visit in person, minding the restrictions of masks and proper social distancing. As a measure of the hardships COVID-19 is exacting on organizations, this is actually the second #GivingTuesday of the year. On May 5, organizers launched an early appeal to confront the effects of the growing pandemic.
Traditionally the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday has become a global advocacy movement that touts generosity and the power of people. #GivingTuesday promotes the abilities of non-profit organizations to transform their communities: locally, nationally, and globally. There are many ways that consumers and supporters can show their thanks on #GivingTuesday. Share social media posts. Donate to charities. Volunteer, if you’re able to safely. Give goods to a food bank or clothes drive. One of our favorite organizations to work with is Food & Friends – a food bank delivering meals to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses in the Washington, DC metropolitan community.
Each effort is meaningful and can make a difference to organizations that work to change people’s lives. At its core, the day simply encourages people to do good.
At Susan Davis International, we are honored to support and work with our non-profit clients, the Army Historical Foundation, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and Razia’s Ray of Hope.
The Army Historical Foundation (AHF) honors American Soldiers by preserving the history and heritage of the United States Army. Established in 1983, the nonprofit engages, educates, and honors the service and sacrifices that Soldiers have made to ensure the safety of our country. The Foundation supports the newly opened National Museum of the United States Army. The Museum opened to the public on Veterans Day of this year, and it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the contributions of the American Soldier and participate in hands-on learning with activities that focus on geography, science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) empowers, supports, and honors the nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers—the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, and injured veterans. Through raising public awareness, conducting research, and championing policy, EDF works to ensure that these hidden heroes are properly cared for and honored. EDF also leads a range of innovative programs, such as the Campaign for Inclusive Care, which integrates military and veteran caregivers into their veterans’ care teams in a way that creates an empowering experience for the caregivers, provides doctors key insights into their patients’ lives at home, and ultimately results in better health outcomes for the veterans.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF) preserves and displays the history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps. The Foundation supports Marines sharing their stories, convening, and celebrating their victories, while also honoring the fallen. The Foundation supports the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which includes over 1,000 artifacts including tanks, aircraft, small arms, uniforms, and over 1,800 photographs and letters. The Foundation also oversees Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, which overlooks the Museum and is dedicated to the remembrance and reflection of all Marines with over 40 monuments.
Razia’s Ray of Hope, chaired by our firm’s Chairman Susan Davis, provides young women and girls in Afghanistan with community-based education within a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment so that they have access to brighter futures. Founded in 2007, Razia’s Ray of Hope is supported by a global team of women leaders who are committed to peace and culturally aware education toward a path of change for future generations. The Zabuli Education Center provides free education for nearly 700 girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Razia Jan Institute offers graduates and other community members a career training opportunity to become midwives.
On this #GivingTuesday, we encourage you to champion your favorite charities and nonprofits, like AHF, EDF, MCHF, and Razia’s Ray of Hope, in any way that you can. Do good. Give. Happy #GivingTuesday.