Now that are bellies have been filled with Thanksgiving favorites (and leftovers) and our trunks are full of Black Friday and Cyber Monday gifts, it's time to think of those less fortunate. Giving Tuesday (AKA Give Back Tuesday) began in 2012. It was started as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post-Thanksgiving season (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. I find it ironic that it's dubbed "post Thanksgiving" since many shopping deals begin ON Thanksgiving. I prefer to celebrate the holiday with family and not shopping, but I digress.There are many ways of giving back today. Some people may choose to donate to a charity that means something to them like the Alzheimer's Association and Diabetes Association. If you can't afford to donate to charities, there are multiple ways to support those in need. Here are just a few:

1. Go through your closets and donate coats you no longer wear to Salvation Army, Goodwill or St. Vincent De Paul. You can find locations easily here: https://www.onewarmcoat.org/donatecoats/
2. Find a drop box location for used clothing. http://www.clothingpickupatl.com/drop-box-locations.aspx
3. Donate peanut butter, canned goods or toiletries to a local food pantry of the Free Store Food Bank. https://freestorefoodbank.org/
4. Give away extra produce that you aren't going to eat or will spoil to www.ampleharvest.org 
5. Find a mini People's Pantry Cincy Pantry and fill it with feminine products that others can't afford. facebook.com/peoplespantrycincy/

Whatever you decide to give back, donate with dignity. Just because someone cannot afford what you have does not mean they should receive items that are lesser than. A coat, dress or shoes with holes in them is not a desirable item to anyone. Expired or opened food is not safe to give away. Think of what you'd like to be provided if you were in need. Keep it simple. Love your neighbor as yourself.