#GivingTuesday: give back to UIC to help students
Thanksgiving is coming, and it is a time for us to enjoy our families, our communities, and our various loved ones.
Thanksgiving is also a time to be thankful the deals that we will find on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the Thanksgiving season does not stop there. Too often we fail to remember the reason for this holiday season is to give to those who need assistance.
I strongly encourage you all to give back to your community and various foundations on #GivingTuesday.
#GivingTuesday started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in NYC and occurs each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. The purpose was to kick off the charitable season when many people focus on making end of calendar year gifts. Although it is not as renowned as Black Friday and other events in the holiday season, #GivingTuesday has a major impact on those that participate.
I have the opportunity to work with the UIC’s Office of Advancement to further UIC’s own #GivingTuesday. I was presented the idea of collaborating with the department to help my peers, and I knew it was one that I could not pass up.
On Dec. 1, various booths will be placed around both east and west campus as a place where students can freely give. Chancellor Amiridis and men’s basketball coach, Steve McClain, along with student leaders will be leading those booths and encouraging others to participate in the campaign. At these booths you can give any amount that you wish, from $1 or even $20 if your heart so desires. Proceeds from the funds raised at each booth go to building scholarships and student programs for students on campus.
I chose to be a part of this program because giving is a huge part of my moral responsibility. I have always believed in giving back to help build those around me to better themselves and provide chances for new opportunities and ventures.
The best thing about #GivingTuesday is that it is not limited to financial giving, you can give in any way that you can think of. Give by listening to a friend vent, by opening the door for a stranger, or by complimenting someone on their style.
The point is, throughout the season where we are sometimes confused into the idea of buying material things only, give to make someone’s day a little bit more special. Use and follow #GivingTuesday to see ways of how people give back to those around them. Be the change that you wish to see.
Christian Gray is a senior majoring in marketing with a focus in promotion and communications and a minor in economics. He is president of the Student Activities Board. When he’s not planning events or doing schoolwork, you’ll catch him watching something sports related (#KOBE) or vibing out to music. His career goal growing up was to be Batman. He won’t tell you if he was successful on that mission, but let’s be real – have you ever seen him and Batman in the same place before?
