Giving Tuesday: New holiday tradition follows Cyber Monday

In the holiday-season madness that's spurred Cyber Monday, Black Friday and Grey Thursday, consumerism seems to have taken center stage. Almost immediately after eating their turkey dinner, and giving thanks for the family, friends, and moments that have had a lasting and meaningful impact on their lives, shoppers can head to the malls to stock up on as many Christmas presents as humanly possible.

Keeping with the holiday spirit that's given the days surrounding Thanksgiving, Henry Timms, the director of the 92nd Street YMCA, decided to designate a specific day to charitable giving that often accompanies the holidays, ABC News reported.

Now, there are 2,065 partners listed on the #GivingTuesday website, including corporations, nonprofits, schools and religious groups.

"When 92Y's Henry Timms called he explained the opportunity this way, 'We have a day for giving thanks, two days for getting deals. Why shouldn't there be a day for giving back?'" said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation, NPR reported.

She loved the idea, and it snowballed from there.

"There are so many creative ways that people can volunteer and donate in today's world of social media," Calvin said. "A national day of giving back around the holiday shopping season just makes sense. It helps people everywhere make the most of their philanthropic side."

Do you think the idea will catch on?  Sound off in the comments below: