According to its website, “Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”

It is a wonderful concept, and one that again will occur Tuesday next week.

What began in 2012 as a special day in the holiday season to celebrate the generosity of giving has morphed into last year’s fundraiser that collected $1.9 billion for organizations from 60 countries.

Locally, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan will again act as a collection point for Giving Tuesday donations as they help to raise awareness and support for 50 nonprofits from across Northeast Michigan who are partnering with the foundation this year. Last year, area residents spread out donations of $217,251 to 60 different groups under the foundation umbrella.

“When the 2019 giving totals were announced today at our office, the room radiated positive energy and excitement,” CFNEM Executive Director Patrick Heraghty said last year. “It is incredible to see the generosity of our communities in this way, and it is so impactful for the organizations receiving donations.”

I couldn’t agree more. The generosity of our area’s residents constantly amazes and inspires me.

When you think about it, is there any better year than this one to spread some cheer and happiness to organizations or causes that need the help?

It seems to me the perfect time to forget the commercial and materialistic trappings of the season for a minute and instead put on that “attitude of gratitude” and share some of our blessings with others.

I know for me this year, I have seen time and time again the importance of a free press to democracy. That is why I have made my personal fundraising effort Tuesday the Michigan Press Association Foundation, and its support of young journalists at state colleges through financial scholarships. Community newspapers are the backbone of democracy, as their journalists report on everything from school boards to city councils, sporting events to political candidates.

It isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always good news. But it is always factual.

That is why helping young men and women into our field of responsible and accurate reporting is today more important than ever.

I know a lot of good can occur for many nonprofits Tuesday.

Let’s join together and support one that appeals to you next week.

Together, let’s make this the best Giving Tuesday ever.