This editorial was submitted by Sarah Abbe, Development Intern in North Texas at CHILDREN AT RISK. Sarah is currently seeking her Masters in English Literature at Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX.

As a graduate student in the humanities field, I often find myself lacking when it comes to funds, especially during the holiday season. I stand in line for the register counting pennies to pay for Christmas gifts, making decisions about on whom to splurge and on whom to skimp.

In spite of my financial challenges, I really try and set aside funds for giving to charitable organizations. My parents tithed to their church, and I feel I should give back in my own way and to an organization about which I genuinely care. ‘Tis the season for giving after all.

Giving Tuesday, a 24 hour period following Black Friday and Cyber Monday gives holiday shoppers and do-gooders a chance to take a break from the frenzy of holiday shopping and give back to causes in their local community through a quick and convenient medium, the Internet. All a person must do if they’re looking to donate is start a search using the term #GivingTuesday, and multitudes of giving options are at their fingertips. Organizations vary in price points and issue areas, and many offer cards that you may give to friends if you have made a gift in their honor.  These options are great stocking stuffers, or gifts for co-workers, or for that person who has everything.

In North Texas, we don’t have enough organizations participating. I implore North Texas organizations to get in on the #GivingTuesday opportunity, and to do it quickly. Organizations and donors alike can benefit from involvement with ease. At the end of the holiday season, it ultimately isn’t important how you give on December 2nd, but rather whether you give. I will be donating my pennies to CHILDREN AT RISK, an organization that provides instrumental research for children in the state of Texas.

Want to know how to get North Texas involved? Mark your calendars for #GivingTuesday on December 2. Donors can log on to websites such as Razoo, Gofundme, or any other major fundraiser page to search for organizations to give to; depending on the organization, you will be able to donate an amount with which you feel comfortable. Fundraiser pages usually provide information about organizations with links to gather information on how your donation will be used. Organizations can first start with the #GivingTuesday website, which gives start-to-finish information on creating a personalized giving day. Donors and organizations, don’t forget to take your donation public with the tag #GivingTuesday.