After shopping until you drop on Black Friday and searching the web for deals on Cyber Monday, Tuesday, Nov. 28, is all about giving back.

Deemed #GivingTuesday, the global event aims to raise money for nonprofits. For the fourth straight year, the United Way of West Central Mississippi will be participating in the event with the goal of topping last year’s donation total of nearly $1,000.

“We are kicking off the giving season,” Kami May, the director of marketing and community relations for the United Way, said. “You’ve conquered Black Friday, you’ve got the full belly from Thanksgiving and you’ve caught up on all the cyber Monday deals, but now it is time to take a deep breath and give to something that you want to pay it forward.”

May said the United Way has worked to promote #GivingTuesday through a variety of social media campaigns including their #unselfies and simple videos they plan to post on social media and website to promote people giving that Tuesday.

“This actually will be the fourth year we’ve participated in it and the last two years we prepared a lot better for it,” May said. “Last year, we went around to various donors who give to United Way and we took #unselfies so it was showing that the community was not selfish at all and able to give to a cause they believe in.”

While the United Way depends on financial donations to assist its partner agencies, May said you can take part in #GivingTuesday in ways other than by donating money.

“Not only are we asking to give financially, but we really want people to know the United Way, yes we run off donations strictly, but you can use Giving Tuesday to advocate for a cause you believe in or to volunteer,” May said.

To donate to the United Way of West Central Mississippi on #GivingTuesday, you can text Promote to 41444 and follow the link provided. You can also go to unitedwayvicksburg.org or bring donations to the United Way office at 920 South St.