#GivingTuesday takes off on social media

After spending so much on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't you wish there was a way to feel a bit more humanitarian?

After the commercialism of the pseudo-holidays, today is #GivingTuesday, a day to give back. In 2012, the 92nd Street Y, a nonprofit based in New York City, designated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a global day of giving fueled by social media. 

Now entering its fifth year, #GivingTuesday is trending on Twitter, with charity organizations advocating their causes and Twitter users sharing which groups they are supporting today. 

The #GivingTuesday movement raised over $116 million worldwide, and received 114 billion Twitter impressions in 2015, according to the Giving Tuesday website. 

"It's #GivingTuesday! Whether you are giving time, skills, a donation, or your voice- every gift matters. Join the global mvmnt & give today!" tweeted user Marla Mossman. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor, composer and director of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton," shared a number of charities to donate to on Twitter, including Graham Windham, a nonprofit founded by Elizabeth Hamilton in 1808 that provides services to children and families. 

"We are pleased to announce the 'first gift' of #GivingTuesday 2016 in the US, at 12:01 am -- $1M in matching funds from our board!" tweeted 92nd Street Y right after midnight. 

Other companies are also offering added incentives for donating today. 

T-Mobile is matching donations to Boys & Girls Clubs up to $80 per person. Heinz Ketchup is utilizing social media and donating for every person who takes a selfie with a Heinz bottle and shares on social media. 

Looking for a way to join in on #GivingTuesday? Newsday Charities helps Long Island's at-risk children and families. To learn more, go to newsday.com/helpafamily or call 631-843-3056.