Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday often steal the spotlight in the week following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday serves as an important reminder that in addition to buying gifts for family and friends, we can also give back to causes we care about. Last year, #GivingTuesday provided a platform for people in more than 150 countries to raise more than $300 million and donate more than 2.5 million gifts to those in need.

Vanguardians take part in this charitable movement by raising awareness and donating our personal time and resources to causes that tie into our mission, such as protecting the environment, supporting youth in need, promoting education or advocating for civil rights. Below, we share some of the organizations we’re giving to this holiday season.

Account Supervisor Linda Sabelhaus – PBS

Linda donates to PBS because she believes that providing unbiased news and educational programs enables all Americans to learn more and make informative decisions. In addition, educational programming for children gives kids the knowledge they need to grow and be successful in school and life.

Director Crystal Borde – California Fire Foundation

With the golden rule in mind, Crystal recognizes the importance of giving back to our neighbors in the global community. Due to the fires that have brought devastation to California over the past two years, Crystal is giving to the California Fire Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to people who have lost everything in the fires, as well as to families of fallen firefighters.

Account Manager Shannon Walsh – charity: water

Clean water is the cornerstone to building healthy and sustainable communities. To support the mission to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, Shannon donates to charity: water.

Editorial Director Wendy Rubin – Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia

After volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Wendy witnessed firsthand the admirable work that Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia does for children and families. She’s using #GivingTuesday as an opportunity to donate and continue her support of their work on behalf of child welfare.

Event/Account Manager Brittany Vanderpool – Capitals Hockey Fights Cancer and KaBOOM!

Brittany also gives back through volunteer work — this year, she’s donating her time at the Capitals Hockey Fights Cancer event, as well as participating in a KaBOOM! playground build.

Senior Vice President Brenda Foster – Northern Virginia Family Service

The holidays are a special time for families, but they can be difficult for parents who can’t afford to provide food or gifts for their children. Recognizing that toys can be an important part of healthy development for children under 5, Brenda is donating to the Northern Virginia Family Service Toy Closet.

Associate Director Kate Fink – Sandy Hook Promise

Kate believes that if you are lucky enough to have adequate food, water, housing and safety, you should give back to the millions around the world who aren’t. To fulfill what she considers her social responsibility, she is donating to Sandy Hook Promise.

Senior Vice President Lisa Swanberg – Manna Food Center

Manna Food Center distributes more than 16,000 pounds of food every day and has grown from serving hundreds of people to serving 32,183 in Montgomery County this year. Lisa felt a lasting impact after volunteering at the food bank and meeting the grateful customers, so she donates and shops for Manna food drives whenever she can.

President and CEO Maria Rodriguez – Arlington Food Assistance Center, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, and Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Maria also supports her neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table for their families by giving to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. To promote leadership development for girls, Maria gives to the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, and she also supports the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law for their dedication to fiercely defending the civil rights of people with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities.

We consider it a privilege to support the causes we care about in our local and global communities, and we hope our stories of giving will inspire you to join millions of others in giving back in your own way on #GivingTuesday and during this holiday season.