Give Something Away Day 🎁

Overview

Give Something Away Day, observed annually on July 15th, encourages individuals to practice generosity by donating unused items, volunteering time, or offering help to others. It's a day to declutter while simultaneously contributing to the well-being of the community and fostering a spirit of giving, promoting the idea that even small acts of charity can make a significant difference.

Origin and story

Studies suggest that acts of giving can boost the giver's happiness and reduce stress, often referred to as the 'helper's high.'

Beyond physical items, the spirit of the day extends to giving away time through volunteering, sharing skills, or simply offering a kind gesture.

Quick facts

• DateJuly 15
• TypeKindness / Community
• Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

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Ways to celebrate

There's a real, documented "helper's high" — giving appears to trigger the same brain chemistry as other genuinely pleasurable experiences, which is a good excuse to test it out today.

Give something concrete

Celebrate by:

• Giving away one specific item today that you no longer need, to someone who could use it.
• Volunteering an hour of your time instead of, or in addition to, giving away physical stuff.
• Offering to teach someone a skill you have for free.

See the research behind the good feeling

Helpful resources:

• The Helper's High (Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley)

Try it without credit

• Giving something away anonymously and seeing how that feels different from a public gesture.

Did you know?

One national survey found people who donated time or money were 42% more likely to describe themselves as happy than those who didn't — a gap researchers tie directly to the endorphin release behind the "helper's high."

Fun facts

• Studies suggest that acts of giving can boost the giver's happiness and reduce stress, often referred to as the 'helper's high.'
• Beyond physical items, the spirit of the day extends to giving away time through volunteering, sharing skills, or simply offering a kind gesture.
• Donating unused household items and clothing to charities on this day not only helps those in need but also contributes to decluttering and promoting sustainability.

Sources and attribution

The Helper's High (Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Give Something Away Day?

It is observed on July 15 each year.

What is Give Something Away Day?

Give Something Away Day, observed annually on July 15th, encourages individuals to practice generosity by donating unused items, volunteering time, or offering help to others. It's a day to declutter while simultaneously contributing to the well-being of the community and fostering a spirit of giving, promoting the idea that even small acts of charity can make a significant difference.

How do people celebrate Give Something Away Day?

Give away something specific today, whether it's an item, an hour of your time, or a skill — studies link giving to a genuine boost in happiness for the giver, sometimes called the 'helper's high.'

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