Before the turkey and fixings has had time to settle in bellies, thoughts will have turned to shopping: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday…

Small Business Saturday, in particular, can drive the local economy, with shops and shoppers benefiting from money spent within the town borders. That spending is a boost as shopkeepers then support other local businesses, and those businesses reinvest in doing business in the hometown — giving residents more shopping opportunities.

As important as it is to support the local economy, though, the holidays do not have to be all about tangible gifts. #GivingTuesday kicks off a season of charitable giving on November 27 for organizations taking part.

Donations to local charities truly make the heart swell with the spirit of the season. There is no dearth of worthwhile organizations, beginning with the Newtown Youth & Family Services, which will soon host its 33rd Annual Holiday Festival.

The Newtown Lions Club promotes the Sandy Hook Elementary Fund and accepts donations to help heal those suffering from PTSD.

FAITH Food Pantry and the food pantry at Newtown Social Services accept donations that assist in stocking the shelves with items most needed.

For those who love the outdoors and open space, a donation to the Newtown Forest Association is commendable. This land trust works year-round to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy our town’s rural treasures.

Many of the families of those killed 12/14 have created foundations that honor the memories of those lives and support the betterment of others. Sandy Hook Promise, founded by several family members whose loved ones died that day, works to educate the public through prevention programs focused on mental health and wellness and gun safety.

The Newtown Foundation, also formed after 12/14, supports a change in culture to end gun violence.

We are fortunate in Newtown to have volunteers who step up in case of disaster. While each fire department has annual fund drives, an additional donation this holiday season would be a perfect gift in the name of anyone resident. The Newtown Ambulance Association is another volunteer-staffed organization that would benefit from donations; who would not want to find a note in his or her stocking saying that a donation has been made to one of these groups?

The International Refugee Assistance Project has the backing of numerous individuals and religious institutions in Newtown. How appropriate it would be to help displaced people during the Christian season of Christmas.

The list goes on, and opportunities for giving extend far beyond our town borders.

It may not be as exciting as making one’s way through over-eager shopping crowds or scrolling through endless sale options online, but charitable giving is way out in front when it comes to making a difference in lives near and far.

Start the conversation before the shopping frenzy gets out of hand: who is willing to unwrap a gift of life, a gift of hope, and forego a bauble soon forgotten? You might be surprised.