#GivingTuesday, the biggest giving day of the year, is Dec. 3 and UB employees are urged to turn in their Campaign for the Community pledges on this global day of giving.

The campaign so far has raised $479,824, 56% of its $850,000 goal.

Employees can designate their donations to go to any of more than 2,800 health, human service, educational, environmental and cultural organizations. These donations help tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers by providing services that align closely with UB’s priorities for community engagement in the areas of health and wellness, neighborhood revitalization, economic development and pre-K-16 education.

To submit a payroll deduction pledge or a one-time donation, visit the online pledge site. Questions should be directed to Melissa Wood, campaign coordinator, at mwood4@buffalo.edu or 716-829-6078.

The idea for the first #GivingTuesday was dreamed up 2012 by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y in New York City as a response to the commercialization and consumerism of the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping season.

#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving.