Everyone needs a nice little nudge now and again to remind them that it’s great to give back. Luckily, there’s a holiday – Philanthropy Day – that reminds us of just that.

November 15 is Philanthropy Day — a day to embrace humankind and show others love. So, today you should strap on your boots rather than kicking them off, and go out and help your fellow person.

The National Philanthropy Day website states that the November holiday was created to: 1) Put “philanthropy” into action, and 2) Recognize the change philanthropy has brought to communities.

The day itself is meant to help people celebrate giving, volunteering, and charitable engagement. While the day is totally official (in 1986, Ronald Reagan coined November 15 Philanthropy Day), it’s also part of a grassroots movement.

So, how can you celebrate and honor this day of giving back? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Donate to your favorite cause: I have a few favorite causes, but the one I try to give to every year is the Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland. This organization does its darndest to re-home, adopt, and foster beagles and basset hounds (and everything that’s mixed with these two houndy breeds). Also, a bonus: They are totally no-kill. I have a soft spot in my dog-loving heart for this organization because I adopted my two hounds, Daphne and Cash, from this awesome org.

2. Bake a batch of cookies for your neighbors: Do you ever really engage with your neighbors? I do… sometimes. But I could do a heck of a lot more to get to know the people who live right next to me. If you’re in the same boat I am, consider baking your neighbors a batch of scrumptious cookies. That way you’ll only trigger “sweet” thoughts in their minds.

3. Help a friend or family member with a tough project: Does your mom need help cleaning her closet? Perhaps your dad really needs someone to help him string up those Christmas lights. Well, raise your hand, put on your work clothes, and go help them out.

4. Volunteer some time: This time of year is never short on volunteer activities. You can easily donate some time at a food pantry, a community organization, or charity.

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Image: San Jose Library

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