As you probably know, Giving Tuesday is a relatively new invention but not by our friends at Hallmark cards. No, it was our friends at the 92nd Street Y in New York City in 2012 who decided that the world needed a day that encourages us to do good. One could argue that this would be better as an everyday theme, but we”ll take a day as a start.

This morning I walked in the Hubbard Forest, a Weston Forest & Trail Association property that extends from Oak Street to Ridgeway. And I thought about the folks who decided to preserve this valuable land, and land all around Weston, for the public to enjoy. We, and I am speaking as a trustee of WFTA here, are so lucky that folks continue to support the trails and conservation properties. So thank you, Weston, for doing good for all of us.

There are many nonprofits in Weston doing good in our everyday–the garden clubs, the historical society, the media center, friends of libraries, council of aging and reservoirs, scouts, WCCA and Weston Dads, among many others. Weston has always had and hopefully always will have a culture of helping and volunteerism.

Many of the organizations we help are outside of our borders–Waltham Boys and Girls Club, WATCH CDC, Community Servings, Hope and Comfort, Cradles to Crayons, conservation organizations like LLCT, Waltham, Sudbury Valley…the list goes on and on. Most of us donate as well outside our immediate surroundings–to World Central Kitchen, American Red Cross, animal rescue organizations, perhaps a nonprofit from where we grew up or studied. There are many worthy organizations, and many needy people and places.

So whether you believe in “Giving Tuesday” or not, find your way to do good today. Because it feels good. And it’s in our nature, Weston.