‘Giving Tuesday’ Recaptures the Spirit of the Holiday Season

‘Giving Tuesday’ Recaptures the Spirit of the Holiday Season

By Cassandra Cotton, Nathan Adelson Hospice Community Outreach Manager

During the holiday season, we traditionally show admiration, love, and respect by giving gifts. But sometimes the commercialism can be a bit overwhelming. From nonstop holiday music to elaborate store displays, to the steady stream of advertisements, the sales push seems to come earlier and earlier every year.

A wonderful new tradition has sprung up that brings back the American tradition of giving and generosity. It’s called “Giving Tuesday,” which takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — and harnesses the generosity of people around the world. Although it’s a global event, the money raised by charitable organizations is used to benefit their local community.

This year, Nathan Adelson Hospice will participate in Giving Tuesday with a “Right Now” campaign, featuring patients and families with urgent needs — and how the Nathan Adelson Hospice Families in Need program brings immediate relief by providing necessities like food, clothing, or utility services. Here is just one example:

At 63, Jim could barely breathe without an oxygen mask, and he needed oxygen almost constantly. His electric bill had doubled due to his breathing needs. He and his wife had only margarine and a nearly empty bottle of ketchup in their refrigerator when the Nathan Adelson social worker visited for the first time. She got them food and gift cards, and worked with the utility to get assistance with the electric bills so they could focus on Jim’s care instead of the bills.

Many hospice patients do not have time to wait for routine assistance; for them, every minute counts. We hope you will support this worthy cause on Giving Tuesday by following Nathan Adelson Hospice on social media (@nahlv on Facebook, @NAHLasVegas on Twitter and nahlasvegas on Instagram), and donating at www.nah.org/donate.