Every fall, Americans come together in a weird juxtaposition between thankfulness and massive amounts of commerce. Giving Tuesday combines both of these worlds as an opportunity to give back to those in need. This can be far-reaching and affect many communities; however, with a specific focus on the military, there are many opportunities that abound. If you’re looking to get involved and make an impact, we’re breaking down the best ways to use Giving Tuesday 2022 to support our heroes. Read next:The Turkey Pardon Isn’t the Only Thanksgiving Tradition You Should Know

What Is Giving Tuesday?

Also known as #GivingTuesday through social media, Giving Tuesday is an annual movement on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in which people contribute to non-profit organizations. This is done to spread cheer during the beginning of the holiday season. It’s a bit ironic and poetic that Giving Tuesday exists at all. This is because the American holiday season generally begins on the day after Thanksgiving, a.k.a. Black Friday. Although not an official holiday, Black Friday is known for its incredible deals, shopping, and all things capitalism. There's a lot that goes into serving our country. Our heroes deal with unique circumstances both while enlisted as well as after becoming a Veteran. Furthermore, the families of these individuals also deal with quite a lot as a result. How does Giving Tuesday work? It’s simple, really. Together, we work to make the world a better place by giving to others who can use a bit of help.

Supporting the Military Community

Spreading cheer and good tidings during the holidays is something everyone should be able to get on board with, especially when it comes to helping our military community. The great news is that there are many different ways to get involved. The struggles faced by families in the military community vary and require different solutions. Fortunately, many different organizations are more than willing to answer the call. Assistance for everything, such as rehabilitation, service animals, housing assistance, family assistance, education, and much more, is provided through various charities and organizations. Here are 50 great places to donate to this holiday season that will directly benefit our military community:

1. AMVETS National Service Foundation

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1. Adaptive Sports Center (ASC)
2. AdoptAPlatoon Soldier Support Effort
3. Air Force Aid Society
4. Air Warrior Courage Foundation
5. Army Emergency Relief
6. Blue Star Families
7. Challenge Aspen
8. Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
9. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
10. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
11. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust
12. David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education
13. EOD Warrior Foundation
14. Freedom Service Dogs of America
15. Gary Sinise Foundation
16. H.E.R.O.E.S. Care
17. Hire Heroes USA
18. Homes For Our Troops (HFOT)
19. Hope For The Warriors
20. K9s for Warriors
21. Liberty USO
22. Mercy Medical Angels
23. Military Community Youth Ministries
24. NEADS Inc.
25. National Military Family Association
26. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
27. New Directions for Veterans
28. Operation Homefront
29. Operation Second Chance
30. Operation Support Our Troops - America
31. Project Sanctuary
32. Puppies Behind Bars (PBB)
33. Semper Fi & America's Fund
34. Semper Fi Fund
35. The Admiral Nimitz Foundation
36. The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
37. The Fisher House Foundation
38. The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV)
39. The Mission Continues
40. The Shade Tree
41. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
42. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
43. Travis Manion Foundation (TMF)
44. USO (United Service Organizations)
45. United Through Reading
46. Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation
47. Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children
48. Wounded Warrior Project
49. Wounded Warriors Family Support

It can be difficult, of course, considering the bleak economic hurdles we're all facing. So far, the report of Americans giving less to charity as inflation bites is an all too familiar feeling. Still, if you're able, these charities can help lift the spirits of the people who keep us free and their families.

When Did Giving Tuesday Start?

Started in 2012 by Henry Timms and the United Nations Foundation, the annual event focuses on philanthropy rather than shopping. People are encouraged to support non-profits of all sorts to help bring cheer and goodwill to our fellow humans. Today, when you look at the roster of philanthropies helping the official Giving Tuesday non-profit, you can easily see that there are people being helped all across the world. A movement that was sparked to generate kindness is still striving to help humankind. Suggested read:9 Veterans Thanksgiving Resources To Check Out