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- Every July 15
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National Give Something Away Day encourages acts of generosity and decluttering every July 15. This day inspires us to share what we have, whether it’s tangible items, time, or kindness, with those who can benefit most. Take this opportunity to clean out your closets, donate to a local charity, or simply offer a helping hand to someone in need.
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Expected National Give Something Away Day Deals
On National Give Something Away Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to charitable giving and community support. Organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will be ready to accept donations of clothing, household items, and furniture, helping to divert waste from landfills and provide affordable goods to those in need. Many local food banks, such as those supported by Feeding America, also see increased donations of non-perishable food items. Retailers like Patagonia and TOMS, known for their philanthropic models, may highlight their ongoing giving initiatives or encourage customers to support related causes. Online platforms like eBay for Charity and Poshmark often see a surge in users listing items for sale with a portion of proceeds benefiting chosen charities. We encourage everyone to check with their local charities for specific needs and donation guidelines.
Platform Guide for National Give Something Away Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GiveSomethingAwayDay. Share photos or short videos of items you’re donating or acts of kindness you’re performing.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GiveSomethingAwayDay. Post about local donation drives or community events focused on giving.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #GiveSomethingAwayDay. Share quick tips for decluttering or highlight impactful stories of generosity.
National Give Something Away Day Hero
Mother Teresa
History of National Give Something Away Day
It’s better to give than to receive, and this is the aim behind National Give Something Away Day. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” doesn’t literally mean junk or trash, but items that can serve someone else better. The day encourages people to give freely to others without expecting anything in return. This is also a good way to declutter and pass on things that no longer fit us or are useful to us.
Most of us undoubtedly have way more items than we need. National Give Something Away Day was established on July 15, 2015, by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher, a self-proclaimed giver. On the day’s Facebook page, Linda advocates giving back to the world. According to her, this day is for everyone who cares. It advocates for giving to friends, family, and the less fortunate; for mindful consumerism; and for being more aware of our carbon footprint.
Giving is the simplest act to exist that can brighten up another’s day, and at times really bring about a positive change. Whether it is something small like giving a compliment, giving your friend a jacket of yours that she really likes, or donating clothes to the less fortunate, these little things can have a big impact.
Even though giving is a selfless act, the reward goes both ways. We benefit from feeling good about giving and making someone’s day, and at the same time, we also let go of items that we no longer need and are just lying around. We also learn to be grateful for all our blessings and it makes us feel like responsible people who are improving the community.
National Give Something Away Day timeline
American children’s picture book “The Giving Tree” is published.
Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher creates National Give Something Away Day to encourage generosity.
In the United States, giving is on the rise.
The total charitable giving amounts to $410.02 billion.
National Give Something Away Day By The Numbers
300,000 – the number of items in the average American home.
1 out of 10 – Americans rent offsite storage.
25% – the percentage of people with two-car garages who don’t have room to park cars inside them.
32% – the percentage of people with two-car garages who only have room for one vehicle.
7.3 square feet – the self-storage space available for every man, woman, and child in America.
238 – the number of toys an average 10 year old owns
12 – the number of toys an average 10 year old plays with.
30 – the number of outfits the average American woman owns.
$1,700 – the amount of money an average American family spends on clothes annually.
65 pounds – the weight of the clothing the average American throws away in a year.
$1.2 trillion – the amount of money spent by Americans annually on nonessential goods.
National Give Something Away Day FAQs
When is National Give Something Away Day?
National Give Something Away Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 15. It’s a perfect mid-week reminder to pause and consider how you can share with others.
What are the benefits of giving something away?
Giving something away offers numerous benefits, including decluttering your space, reducing waste, and supporting those in need. Studies also show that acts of generosity can boost personal well-being and happiness.
How much do Americans donate to charity?
In 2025, Americans donated approximately $499.30 billion to various charities, with individuals contributing the vast majority of these funds. This highlights the significant collective impact of personal generosity.
What are some responsible ways to give away items?
Responsible giving involves donating clean, usable items to reputable charities like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. For specialized items, consider specific organizations, and always check their current needs before dropping off.
National Give Something Away Day Activities
Buy a meal or drink to give to someone
Pay for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop. Buy a to-go meal and hand it to the homeless person outside. Pack a small purse or backpack that you don't want anymore — with things like socks, snacks, and toothbrushes and gift it to a homeless person. Compassion is a virtue that needs nurturing.
Donate clothing to a thrift store
Check all the closets in your house... are there things there that you haven't worn in years? Giving your useful clothing away gives someone with less means the opportunity to look sharp, maybe even at their job interview.
Give flowers away
Flowers are a simple way to brighten someones day — with color, smell, and a breath of greenery to bring nature to their desk or table. Give flowers to your co-workers, your housemate, or your significant other.
5 Benefits You Didn’t Know About Giving
Just thinking about giving feels good
The results of a study showed that simply thinking about giving boosts the same parts of the brain as exercise and eating — an MRI also showed that donating activates the part of the brain that gives a sense of euphoria.
Givers are happier than non-givers
In a study conducted by the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey, a group of 30,000 American households was polled and showed that givers were happier than non-givers.
Watching someone give is good for health
A study in 1988 discovered that students who watched a movie about the life and work of Mother Teresa experienced a boosted immune system in the months that followed.
Giving strengthens relationships
Whenever you give something to somebody, a social bond is created with them, which they are not likely to forget soon.
Giving is contagious
A 2010 study found that when a participant gave money away, the recipients of that money were also likely to give themselves.
Why We Love National Give Something Away Day
Giving things away brightens someone else's day
What better way to make your day count, than by making someone else happy? When you make other people happy, you get a sense of peace and happiness that only things like philanthropy can achieve.
Giving things away gives a sense of lightness
When you get rid of things, your life becomes infinitely more simple and free. The feeling one gets from removing items that you might not have needed or were not using, gives you a sense of freedom.
Giving Decreases Stress
Less clutter = less stress. The less stuff you have, the less things you have to worry about and the better you will feel. And we all know that how bad stress can be for you and the health benefits of decreasing stress.
Social Media Tips for National Give Something Away Day
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