It’s Giving Tuesday, a day to give back amid all the shopping deals

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Now that Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are coming to a close, nonprofits hope people will make time for Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to give back.

Nonprofits can stretch donated dollars to meet the needs of the people they serve.

The Unity Shoppe founder Barbara Tellefson said donations allow their clients to choose the items they want and need.

"Everybody has been shopping for themselves and their families, now you can buy for someone else's family," said Tellefson.

If you mention this report she said you get a discount at their stores on State Street in Santa Barbara. They are also gearing up for the Unity Telethon Celebration featuring Brad Paisley and Kenny Loggins.

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has a donor matching funds on Facebook and at foodbanksbc.org.

Hailey Phelan works at the Foodbank and wants people to know that every dollar buys eight meals.

"I would say after Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a great way to give back to the community." said Phelan,

The Foodbank's Chief Development Officer Dan Thomas said, "This is a time of giving, so people have focused on their families, giving to their friends,well this is an opportunity to give to your neighbors and give to the community at large, so we hope you will remember the Foodbank on Giving Tuesday."

Giving Tuesday can also help four-legged-friends. The Humane Society and other nonprofits need donations to care for all kinds of animals all year long.