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A Day of Giving

December 3, 2019

For many people, the days after Thanksgiving—Black Friday and Cyber Monday—are all about shopping. But since 2012, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been a day to help people in need. It's called GivingTuesday. Meet the girl who is getting more kids involved this year!

Giving Tuesday Kids
Watch a video to learn more about this global, youth-led program for social change.

Khloe Thompson, 12 (California)

Khloe Thompson smiles.
Courtesy of family

I had heard a lot about GivingTuesday. But most projects were done by adults. I thought, “Why aren’t kids more involved?” So I messaged the organization and asked if we could partner up. That’s how GivingTuesdayKids came to life! I reached out to other kid . Our goal is to get a million other kids around the world to sign up for GivingTuesdayKids.

There are a lot of ways for kids to give. If you’re not sure where to start, think of something you love doing. I love sewing. When I was in fourth grade, I passed a homeless lady on my way to school each day. I sewed a tote bag for her and filled it with toiletries. Then I started a group called Khloe Kares. We make bags for homeless women all over California. For GivingTuesdayKids, I’m going to help a whole school make bags.

Here are some ideas from two of my fellow GivingTuesdayKids to inspire you. Giving doesn’t have to be a huge project. As long as you’re spreading kindness, you’re doing your part.

Khloe smiles next to a car trunk full of bags.

Courtesy of family

Liana Torres, 13 (New Jersey)

Liana Torres smiles while holding a dog’s paws.
Courtesy of family

I’ve always had a soft spot for animals and want to help them in any way I can. So when Khloe told me about GivingTuesdayKids, I jumped at the chance. On December 3, I’m going to gather friends and family to make warm blankets for animals at a local shelter.

It can be overwhelming to think about how or what to give. But kids are capable of doing so much. Start in your community with simple acts, like making something to donate. Like my mom says, giving is good for the soul and kindness is contagious.

Michael Platt, 14 (Maryland)

Michael Platt applies icing to cupcakes.
Courtesy of family

When I was 11, I started my own business, Michaels Desserts. For every dessert I sell, I donate one to someone in need. For me, GivingTuesdayKids is an amazing opportunity to do even more. Kids can change the world. But they can’t do it on an empty stomach. So I’m going to put together healthy snack packs with my family and friends and donate them to local food banks.

I’m really excited to see the impact kids will make on December 3. If kids all over the world give back, even in tiny ways, it will make a huge difference.

Jayden Perez, 10 (New Jersey)

Jayden Perez smiles next to a shopping cart full of toys.
Courtesy of family

I’ve been spreading kindness since I was 8 years old. I’ve done everything from helping kids and pets after hurricanes to speaking out against bullying. This summer, I collected backpacks and school supplies and distributed them to local schools. I want to change the world, one act of kindness at a time. 

Just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean you don’t have a voice. In fact, kids have the most important voice when it comes to helping people their age. That’s what GivingTuesdayKids is all about. For GivingTuesdayKids, I’m going to collect toys and donate them to a local hospital and to kids in the Bahamas who were affected by a recent hurricane. I’m excited to bring happiness and joy to kids in need during the holidays.

Kids can get involved on December 3 by doing even one act of kindness. If everyone comes together to be kind and spread love, the world will be a much better place. 

How YOU Can Give

There are countless ways to make a difference on GivingTuesdayKids. Here are some tips.

Find An Idea

Think of an issue—big or small—that matters a lot to you.

Start Planning

Get friends, family, and classmates to help plan and participate in the project.

Get Out and Give

Tuesday, December 3, is the official day, but you can start your project before or continue it after that too!

Share It!

With the help of a parent or another trusted adult, share your project on social media using #GivingTuesdayKids.

Close-Reading Questions

  1. How are GivingTuesday and GivingTuesdayKids different?
  2. Which details support the idea that Khloe Thompson is a philanthropist?
  3. What does Liana Torres mean when she says "kindness is contagious"? Do you agree? Explain.

Teaching Resources
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Video
Giving Tuesday Kids

Kids in the News

Watch a video to learn more about this global, youth-led program for social change.
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