Servegiving

Servegiving is a term used to describe a practice and seasonal observance centered on serving others and giving to those in need. It encourages individuals, families, and organizations to organize and participate in service-oriented activities, often aligning with times of year associated with gratitude and community.

The word is a portmanteau of engage in serving and giving. It emerged in online communities and nonprofit networks in the 2010s and 2020s as a secular emphasis on concrete acts of service, complementing traditional charitable traditions without tying them to a specific religion.

Common servegiving activities include volunteering at food banks, coordinating meal distributions for the homeless, organizing clothing or school supply drives, performing home repairs for elderly residents, tutoring, and fundraising campaigns. Many participants plan events with schools, workplaces, and community groups, and some communities designate a day or weekend to concentrate efforts.

Observance varies by region. Servegiving is not tied to a single calendar date, but it has seen specific observances in many places, sometimes aligned with autumn volunteer campaigns or near Thanksgiving. Activities are often publicized through community organizations, corporate volunteer programs, and local media, sometimes accompanied by recognition initiatives for volunteers.

Impact and criticism: Proponents say it boosts civic engagement, strengthens social ties, and delivers tangible aid to underserved populations. Critics warn of performative volunteering, volunteer fatigue, and the risk that episodic acts of service address symptoms rather than systemic causes of inequality.

See also: volunteerism, philanthropy, community service, Thanksgiving.