December 3 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement in the busy holiday season to give back.

Giving back on #GivingTuesday can take many different forms. It can be a traditional monetary donation to a favorite charity or volunteering time to a local non-profit.

#GivingTuesday originates from social media, hence the hashtag. Many organizations in Southwest Arkansas take advantage of #GivingTuesday. One of those organizations is the UA Cossatot Foundation.

“We are so excited for this year’s #GivingTuesday! There will be several options in which the community can give time or money to benefit college students in Southwest Arkansas,” said UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.

Local businesses are participating in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday celebration by collecting donations on site and wearing “I Gave” t-shirts. These businesses include Tres Agaves, Mary Pops, Simple Simons of De Queen, Miscellania JB, Dr. Randy Walker’s Office, La Media Luna, Diamond Bank of Ashdown, and Nashville Family Dentistry.

Community members also participated by being highlighted in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday video and sharing what they believe in. The video can be accessed by visiting the UA Cossatot Foundation’s Facebook page.

In addition to collecting donations for scholarships and innovative college programming, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success will host a Feed the Funnel meal packing party with the help of The Pack Shack. Over 10,000 meals will be assembled on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the UA Cossatot Adams Building on the De Queen Campus. The college’s Center for Student Success will distribute the meals to college students in need through their food pantry.

To make a donation on #GivingTuesday, please visit the UA Cossatot Foundation website at www.cccua.edu/give or text the word “Cossatot” to 41444.