Today is “Giving Tuesday”

Today is "Giving Tuesday," celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and those crazy shopping events, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Maybe you could open your heart and help those in need.

Since it's beginning in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a real movement celebrating giving and philanthropy. Last year, more than $168 million dollars was donated worldwide, and maybe you were part of that.

An organization you could help is doing fabulous work for foster children in Kent County. They are CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, who advocate for, and help abused and neglected children in foster care here in Kent County. They are a special organization in my heart, and I have worked with them for many years.

It's easy to assist CASA to help these children who are living through so much turmoil and heartbreak, with a donation to CASA, here in Kent County. The website is CASAKentco.org. The money stays right here in Kent County.

Let's not forget our friends at the Humane Society of West Michigan. All day today, Chow Hound Pet Supplies and SpartanNash will be doubling all donations made to the animals at Humane Society of West Michigan! For each dollar donated (up to $10,000 total) Chow Hound and SpartanNash will also donate a dollar! You can donate now online at www.hswestmi.org or by send in a check with memo "Giving Tuesday" to 3077 Wilson NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534.

Obviously, there are hundreds of deserving non-profits in West Michigan, and I'm hoping you will find it in your heart to donate to the ones that mean the most to you today.

Happy Giving Tuesday!