Give thanks on #GivingTuesday

Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings. While that often means a week of food, fun and family, it also can be a time to share in our bounty. You can do that by participating in #GivingTuesday.

In the season of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a way to emphasize a spirit of giving and generosity at time when we are often distracted by shopping and consuming. It is a national campaign dedicated to encouraging individuals to make donations to their favorite charitable organizations.

While it is increasingly easy to support national and international causes, you don't need to look far to find organizations that make an impact. In Linn County there are more than 400 nonprofits whose staff and volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of local residents. Whether your passion is the arts, education, feeding the homeless, or protecting our natural resources, there is a local nonprofit that is doing that work right here at home.

Nonprofit organizations exist to fill needs that aren't being met. Supporting them is an investment in the strength of our community. Many of us will be counting our blessings on Thanksgiving. Please consider sharing those blessings by giving generously, and locally, on Dec. 1. When you take to social media to update your friends and family about your holiday-themed activities, make sure to use our local hashtag #GiveLinnCounty to spread the word. Let's make Dec. 1 an impactful day for giving back.

' David A. Janssen, an eastern Iowa native with 24 years' experience in museum leadership, began serving as Brucemore's third executive director in 2012. Comments: Brucemore, 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids;

(319) 362-7375; www.brucemore.org