#GivingTuesdayPHL is almost here

After turkey, shopping, and more shopping, Giving Tuesday, on December 2, is an antidote for overconsumption. Designated for giving back, the widely recognized day is quickly catching on across the region.

From Giving Tuesday unselfies to dollar-for-dollar gift matches, we took a look at how local organizations are marking the day and rounded up some of their best ideas.

Unselfies and more

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is “warming up to give” by sharing videos of its staff and volunteers re-enacting scenes from Rocky and posting unselfies — a Giving Tuesday trend that encourages social media-savvy supporters to post pictures of themselves holding signs about their favorite causes.

What Habitat is ultimately trying to do, however, “is raise the money to finish construction on a family’s house in South Philadelphia so they can move in by the holidays,” said Henry Randolph, a development manager at Habitat. The nonprofit is currently developing six homes in the Point Breeze neighborhood.

“We have a couple of matching gifts that are being given on Giving Tuesday,” added Randolph, giving the organization the opportunity to match two anonymous $5,000 donations. Its goal is to raise $23,000.

Dine-and-give

Dine out at either The Farm and the Fisherman, Tria Cafe (two locations) or Pitruco to support The Food Trust on Giving Tuesday. Thirty percent of all food sales will benefit the organization.

“We’re excited to be partnering with local restaurants for Giving Tuesday,” said Carolyn Huckabay, the communications manager at The Food Trust. “It’s a way for Philadelphians to give back and also treat themselves to a nice dinner after the hustle-bustle of Thanksgiving and the chaotic shopping days that often follow.”

The Newman’s Own Foundation has also invited the The Food Trust to participate in a fundraising campaign between November 25 and December 2. It will match every dollar raised by The Food Trust, up to $10,000. All donations must be made through its crowdrise page.

Show ‘n tell

Girl Develop It Philly is hosting a year-end event on Giving Tuesday to celebrate and showcase the accomplishments of its members, with brief remarks from some notable women in tech. See the speaker lineup here.

One of the event goals is to give members the chance to flex their presentation skills in a supportive environment. Attendees will also be encouraged to “pledge something they want to give back in the coming year,” said LeeAnn Kinney, a front-end web developer who volunteers as the events coordinator for the organization.

Kinney, a former Girl Develop It student, said she learned “a ton” from its classes, which run from beginner to advanced.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now if it wasn’t for the classes I took,” she said. “I’m happy to give back.”

View Generocity.org’s listing of #GivingTuesdayPHL participants (and submit what your organization is doing) here.

Image via Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia