As the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales dies down, Giving Tuesday encourages individuals to give back to their communities during the holidays. Since its founding in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and a team of individuals in New York City, the initiative has grown into a worldwide digital campaign celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. According to Giving Tuesday founders, nonprofits raised more than $117 million online on Giving Tuesday in 2015. Tomball and Magnolia area residents can volunteer their time or donate to a variety of organizations during Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29. Here are five ways to give back on Giving Tuesday: Boots for Troops sends care packages to members of the military serving abroad that include a pair of boots of the service member’s choosing. Individuals can donate $10 to the organization by texting TROOPS to 91999. Donations go toward care packages for service members. Boots for Troops is hoping to receive $10,000 on Tuesday, Nov. 29. 32931 Wright Road, Magnolia 281-222-5170 www.boots4troops.org The Montgomery County Animal Shelter provides a temporary home to more than 600 cats and dogs and takes in more than 20,000 unwanted animals each year. 8535 Hwy. 242, Conroe 936-442-7738 www.mcaspets.org The Montgomery County Food Bank distributes more than 5.2 million nutritious meals annually and serves approximately 37,000 low-income Montgomery County children, adults and seniors monthly. The food bank is encouraging individuals to share the holiday in honor of Giving Tuesday. 1 Food For Life Way, Conroe 936-539-6686 www.mcfoodbank.org TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries provides medical care and clinic services for low-income individuals and families with little or no insurance. 455 School St., Ste. 30, Tomball 281-357-0747 www.tomagwa.org Schools and nonprofit organizations in the Tomball and Magnolia area are also encouraging residents to donate via Amazon Smile this holiday season. Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchases made at Amazon Smile to a nonprofit of the customer's choosing. Local organizations accepting donations from Amazon Smile include SIRE, the Montgomery County Food Bank, the Montgomery County Women's Center and Concordia Lutheran High School. Giving Tuesday encourages individuals to tag social media posts with #GivingTuesday or #MyGivingStory and celebrate the day by taking an #UNSelfie about giving back. Other ideas for Giving Tuesday include volunteering with an organization, donating part of a paycheck or a specific dollar amount or offering pro bono opportunities. For additional donation or volunteer opportunities in the community, check out Community Impact's 2016-17 Volunteer Guide in the December issue.