'Tis the Season to Do Something Great

How to be a philanthropist, no matter your budget.

My unproven theory is that in Britain, without Thanksgiving to provide a mile marker between Halloween and Christmas, one holiday bleeds into the other like a Tim Burton musical. But even without the turkey-feasting respite, the Brits have embraced Black Friday with the same gusto as they have the NFL, country music and Pop Tarts: with open arms, bellies and wallets.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a Black Friday sale. True, I’ve never beaten someone up over a 50%-off Tickle Me Elmo, but it’s a great day for getting a jump on holiday shopping and buying books for your loved ones (Someone’s Gotta Give is particularly gratifying to gift wrap! It’s the crisp corners!).

But you know what’s even better than a buy-one-get-one-free offer on socks? Giving something back at the most gratitude-filled time of the year.

My tour is winding down and while there are a few things I won’t miss (the stares as I hoist a suitcase full of books into the overhead bin), there is so much I will: surveying the crowd to see who is #TeamOllie and who is #TeamAnti-Ollie, the seemingly unlimited supply of Insomnia Cookies AND most of all, the opportunities I’ve had to share the stories of some of my favorite nonprofits supporting immigrants, women and communities: all causes close to Lucia’s heart, and mine.

How many paperbacks fit in an Away Bigger Carry-On Flex? I have the answer.

If you’re finding yourself this holiday season feeling paralyzed by the gloomy/doomy news around you, here’s how to get a quick dopamine hit: do something great for someone else. You don’t need Tamsin’s checkbook or Henry Perry’s family name to be a philanthropist. Small donations that a nonprofit can use however they like (ahem, did somebody say Unrestricted Giving?) are how many survive.

Across tour, I’ve been highlighting some amazing organizations that would be grateful for your gifts any time of year, especially now, including:

• Poderistas - a nonprofit I am deeply involved in that was built to celebrate Latinas and amplify their power and voice across their communities.

• Justice for Migrant Women - founded by activist Monica Ramirez, they work to protect the rights of some of the most vulnerable women and families.

• Global Giving’s Community Aid Fund - dedicated to helping life-changing programs devastated by USAID cuts keep their services going.

You can see the full list here. Lots of these vital nonprofits, plus more, will be participating in Giving Tuesday, the annual antidote to Black Friday which is a great time of year to show them that you care. Whether you have $5 or $5 squillion to give, consider doing it now to one of these organizations or the many, many others out there who need your help.

One question I get a lot is: how do I know I’m going to give to the right place to make the greatest impact? The answer: you don’t. There isn’t one greatest impact. Impact can be found in many places, anytime you give to a trusted nonprofit.

One of the best things about giving, besides what it does for others, is how it makes you feel. GREAT. This holiday season, I hope you Do Something Great and feel great while you’re doing it. Lucia and I (and the world) will thank you.

With love-

Alisha