The end of the year is a time of both giving and receiving for many people. Finding just the right gift for that special someone can be a fun-filled hunt for the treasure that will light up someone's day - but how can shopping for your friends and family help a Valerie Fund kid at the same time during this holiday season?
Thanksgiving and the days immediately following have become about as stuffed as a turkey with targeted shopping "holidays." Following the retail frenzy of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday can pack a powerful philanthropic punch.
On Monday December 2nd, a lot of Americans will head back to work after the long weekend. After three days of in-person shopping, quite a few people use their first full day in front of a computer to begin shopping online so they don't lose any momentum in their holiday gift-giving progress. The largest online retailer is set to make a record number of sales but you can use these shopping binges as a way to support The Valerie Fund.
If you use Amazon for purchases then you can sign up for Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile is a program where Amazon donates a portion of all eligible sales to a non-profit of your choice. Simply click here to go to the Amazon Smile version of the website, choose The Valerie Fund as your charity of choice, and then shop as normal and Amazon takes care of the rest. Just make sure you go to smile.amazon.com from now on to make your purchases (if you forget, Amazon will remind you to switch when you log in). Amazon will send donations directly to The Valerie Fund and you won't be charged anything additional for your purchases - it's win/win!
Need some inspiration on what to buy with your new Amazon Smile account? Here are some nationally recognized "holidays" through the end of the year that are a perfect fit for shopping on Amazon.
National Microwave Oven Day - December 6th
National Cotton Candy Day - December 7th
National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day - December 16th
National Maple Syrup Day - December 17th
National Hard Candy Day - December 19th
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day - December 20th
National Flashlight Day - December 21st
Of course, Amazon Smile is not just an end of year program. It lasts 365 days of the year and you'll see a small "Amazon Smile eligible" tag next to all of the items that support the program.
After the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are done, there is one last post-Thanksgiving day to keep in mind. The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday. This is a day where to think about those who might be less fortunate or in greater need. Giving Tuesday is a day to give back to the causes that are most important and that do good in this world.
This Giving Tuesday we hope you remember The Valerie Fund and the work it does to support the 6,000 kids each year who are battling cancer and blood disorders. If you'd like to donate on Giving Tuesday (or any day of the year!), you can click here and we would appreciate the support.
