The air is feeling crisper. The leaves are changing colors. The light of day begins to soften. While many take down their Thanksgiving decorations and turn their thoughts towards snowy nights, hot chocolate, and gift-opening, Paws for Purple Hearts starts planning for a very special day: Giving Tuesday.

Often described as a global day of giving, Giving Tuesday is always held on the first Tuesday that follows Thanksgiving. This year, that day falls on November 29th, 2022. Since its creation in 2012, it has quickly grown into a year-round, worldwide movement that unleashes the power of generosity and encourages an extremely simple idea: to do good. It was created as a new way to give back to the community following two significant days of consumption – Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Becoming an inspiration to hundreds of millions, this idea allowed it to grow into the independent non-profit and global movement that we know today.

In 2020, this philosophy was put to the ultimate test. As non-profits around the world tried to adapt to the impact of the pandemic, Giving Tuesday helped boost their efforts by sharing knowledge and expanding resources for peer learning, sharing ideas, and working together. Even now, as many reintegrate themselves back into society, there are still unseen challenges that make non-profits lean on the generosity of others as a driving force.

Outside of being a day of awareness, there are also numerous opportunities for people to show their support. Raising a record $2.7 billion in 2021 alone, 11% of the U.S. population participated in Giving Tuesday last year by helping with independent calls to action, such as volunteering or donation matching. That being said, this day isn’t just used as an opportunity to participate in fundraising. It gives Paws for Purple Hearts the amazing chance to raise awareness about our mission of improving the lives of Veterans or active duty service members. In looking toward the future, Giving Tuesday plans to reach upwards of 125 countries, enlist more than 1,000 community and culture-based campaigns, engage the next generation of givers, and be the driver of $10 billion in annual giving.

As part of this Giving Tuesday, Paws for Purple Hearts plans to extend a thank you to all of the donors and supporters that make everything we do possible. From our Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy Programs to our Service Dog placement, everything could not have been done without the extreme generosity of others. If you would like to support Paws for Purple Hearts and our mission in improving the lives of America’s Warriors, you can help by volunteering, participating in our events, or visiting our donation page this Giving Tuesday.