A couple of months, I sent out an email to many companies asking for a donation of yoga mats for the small school where I teach.  Most companies responded that they get asked by many people for donations and could not meet my request.  Some companies responded that they could provide one mat if I paid for shipping.

One company was very kind and offered to provide the small number of mats I was requesting if we paid shipping.  A school board member kindly provided the funds.  They were the first to respond, and the yoga mats changed our practice at school.

But there was one company that gave, and gave big, and keeps on giving!  Gaiam!

Gaiam has sent my class not only mats, but more [amazon_link id=”B005BP0VVW” target=”_blank” ]mats[/amazon_link], which I have passed on to another public school. They have sent [amazon_link id=”B002XH5QMU” target=”_blank” ]yoga blocks[/amazon_link] and [amazon_link id=”B0007WK6Q4″ target=”_blank” ]straps[/amazon_link] too!

Gaiam has never asked for anything in return. I had offered in my original letter to write posts, links, promote in social media, etc. to any company in exchange for the donation.  Gaiam never took me up on the offer…they just keep sending gifts!

Today is Giving Tuesday.  It is the contrast to all of the sell, sell, sell capitalist shopping days following Thanksgiving.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday may provide some good deals, but they do not embody the spirit of the holidays.  Giving Tuesday does.

What is Giving Tuesday?

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. This year help us create #GivingTuesday. A new day for giving back.  On Tuesday December 3, 2013, global charities, families, businesses, community centers, students and more will come together to create #GivingTuesday.

It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Be a part of a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity.

Although Gaiam did not give us our yoga supplies for the children in our little mountain community as part of Giving Tuesday, I just want to give them a huge shout out of THANK YOU!  They have been incredibly generous, and if you want to keep giving, I know larger classrooms that would benefit from yoga supplies too!  THANK YOU!  Keep the yoga flowing!