Celebrate 'Giving Tuesday'

You waited on line at midnight after turkey dinner. You patronized neighborhood boutiques over the weekend. Then you almost burned a hole on your trackpad, clicking through online deals yesterday. 

But if you've come this far through the shopping daze, perhaps you can go just a little bit further.

Following close on the heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, a new observation has arrived with a soft spot for philanthropy: Giving Tuesday.

"On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season," according to the official Giving Tuesday site.

"It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity."

To give locally, consider some of the many opportunities for Sandy relief listed here. For charitable organizations that have other focuses ranging from animal rescue to wigs for cancer patients, the Giving Tuesday site offers many wonderful alternatives.

Happy giving!