Every year, Americans participate in Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, which help you find great deals and support local businesses. Today marks a different way to get in the holiday spirit, with Giving Tuesday, a global day to celebrate and encourage giving. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to promote philanthropy, give back to your community, and support causes you care about.

On November 20th, Acting Deputy Secretary Claire Grady joined other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and employees to kick off the 2017 DHS Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The mission of CFC is to promote and support philanthropy, and is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. This year, DHS has pledged $2.8 million to CFC. DHS encourages its employees to contribute through CFC, but there are limitless ways for both federal and non-federal employees to participate. Through Giving Tuesday’s website, you can search for organizations in your area and find ways to get involved.

Giving Tuesday is also an opportunity to support organizations providing relief to regions affected by national disasters. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) lists trusted organizations which are already coordinating relief and response efforts. They are currently offering volunteer opportunities in areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as Californians impacted by the wildfires. You can donate or find ways to volunteer through their website.

Ways to participate in Giving Tuesday: