Giving Tuesday was created a decade ago to help encourage people to do good. Last year, 35 million Americans donated $2.7 billion to charities. Everything from animal advocacy to housing equality and medical research raked in donations from every corner of the U.S.
Giving Tuesday started on the heels of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. People are asked to give back to their communities in different ways. It all depends on what "giving" means to you. It could be your time volunteering, donating money or donating material goods. However you give back, it's all about making a difference for those in need.
WCNC Charlotte is helping with the Magical Toy Drive. Just bring new, unwrapped toys to any Charlotte-area Belk or Original Mattress Factory and place them in a donation bin.
But charity fraud takes millions of dollars a year in donations away from legitimate charities. Always double-check the websites where you're donating. Several websites, like Give.org, are linked to the Better Business Bureau to help protect your money.
Watch out for similar names. Questionable charities often choose names that sound like the real deal. For example, Wounded Warrior Fund is very similar to the legitimate Wounded Warrior Project.
And before you write that check, know the red flags of scams. Charities will never ask you to wire money or pressure you to donate immediately. The best advice is to give directly to your charity of choice and avoid giving over the phone. #WakeUpCLT #GivingTuesday #Charity
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