It’s time to give back for “Giving Tuesday”

NEW YORK –  (CBS) Americans celebrate “Giving Tuesday” after the launch of a social media campaign.

At the “Giving Tuesday” command center in New York City…dozens of volunteers are gearing up for Tuesday, December 1.

Henry Timms is the YMCA’s Executive Director and came up with the campaign, three years ago at 92 street.

“We never needed more than 6 words. it was black friday, cyber monday, giving tuesday and people would say i think that’s a good idea,” said Timms.

His idea was simple. After several days of shopping, he wanted people to refocus on giving – to any charity or purpose they wanted to. he asked others to help.

“It was an amazing thing to see all over the country people started bringing their own ideas and it started to grow it,” said Timms.

The social media movement now has 40 thousand partners worldwide and has raised more than 86 million dollars over the last few days.

Charles Best runs “Donors Choose”,  a charity which matches teachers wish lists to donors. They were the first to sign up for giving Tuesday.

“What’s great about giving Tuesday is people can be supportive be generous in any way they see fit they can give of their time or their money,” said Best.

Genein Letford is a music teacher from the Los Angeles area.

“Since most of my students are low income they are not able to rent or purchase their own instruments,” said Letford.

She received dozens of instruments from donor chooses “Giving Tuesday” campaign and is looking forward to more help on Tuesday.

“The cool thing it’s not just about bringing the materials to the classroom and making sure the kids have this opportunity but it’s connecting the community to our school,” said Best.

“At a time when so often the public conversation is about what threatens and divides us how valuable it is to have a conversation about something that unites us,” said Timms.

A day expected to bring many thanks — after much giving.