National Give Something Away Day
July 15
About National Give Something Away Day
National Give Something Away Day takes place every year on 15 July, encouraging people across the United States and beyond to part with something they no longer need and pass it to someone who does. Founded in 2015 by self-described giver Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher, the day promotes generosity in all its forms, from donating clutter to charity to performing a small act of kindness for a stranger.
How to Celebrate National Give Something Away Day
The whole point of the day is action, so here are practical ways to take part on 15 July:
- Declutter a single room and donate the surplus – Work through a wardrobe, bookshelf or kitchen cupboard, set aside everything in good condition that you no longer use, and take it to a charity shop or donation centre the same day.
- Give clothing to a shelter – Gently used coats, children’s clothes and shoes are always in demand at homeless shelters and refuges. Call ahead to confirm what they can accept before you drop anything off.
- Donate books to a school or library – Schools, doctors’ surgeries and community libraries often welcome good-condition books. A box of titles you have finished can become someone else’s first favourite read.
- Fill a food bank bag – Clear out tins and dry goods crowding your pantry, or buy a few extra items on your weekly shop, and hand them to a local food bank that is helping families through tough times.
- Pay it forward – Cover the coffee for the person behind you in the queue, or buy an extra meal and offer it to someone sleeping rough. Small, spontaneous gestures capture the spirit of the day perfectly.
- Give your time – Volunteer a few hours at a charity, animal sanctuary or community project. Time is one of the most valuable things you can give, and many organisations are short of helping hands in the summer months.
- Pass things to friends and family – Offer a spare appliance, garden tools or furniture to someone you know who could genuinely use them, rather than letting good items gather dust.
- Give something intangible – A sincere compliment, a thank-you note, or simply your full attention to someone who needs to talk all count. Generosity is not only measured in objects.
What is National Give Something Away Day?
National Give Something Away Day is an annual observance that invites people to give freely, whether that means donating possessions, money, time or kindness. It champions mindful consumerism, encouraging us to question what we really need and to redirect the rest to people who would benefit. The day is deliberately broad: there is no single prescribed way to take part, which means anyone can join in regardless of budget. It is celebrated mainly across the United States, though its message of generosity travels easily anywhere in the world.
When is National Give Something Away Day?
National Give Something Away Day falls on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. The date is fixed, so it lands on 15 July every year, making it easy to plan a donation run or a volunteering shift well in advance.
The History of National Give Something Away Day
The day was created in 2015 by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher, who described herself simply as a “giver”. She wanted a dedicated occasion that would nudge people towards thoughtfulness and generosity, and she chose 15 July as its permanent home. What began as a grassroots idea was registered with the National Day Calendar, which formally listed the observance for 15 July annually.
It is worth being honest about the “National” in the title. Unlike federal holidays, the day has not been proclaimed by the United States Congress or the President. It is one of many community-driven observances that have spread through social media, charity newsletters and word of mouth rather than legislation. That grassroots character is arguably its strength: it belongs to everyone who chooses to take part, not to any official body.
Over the past decade the day has been adopted by charities, decluttering experts, counsellors and bloggers who use it as a yearly prompt to encourage donating and volunteering. It often appears alongside summer clear-out campaigns, when warmer weather and longer days make sorting through belongings feel less of a chore.
Fun Facts About National Give Something Away Day
- The day has been observed every 15 July since 2015, making 2026 the eleventh time it has come around.
- It was founded by a single individual rather than a corporation or government, a reminder that one person can start a lasting tradition.
- Charities frequently report donation spikes around mid-July as people use the day as a deadline to finally clear out cupboards.
- The observance has no official ceremony, so a quiet act of kindness counts every bit as much as a carload of donations.
- It encourages giving non-material gifts too, including time, attention and encouragement.
- The day doubles as an environmental nudge, reducing waste by keeping usable items out of landfill.
Why National Give Something Away Day Matters
Generosity benefits both the giver and the receiver. Donated goods support people facing hardship, reduce household waste and keep usable items in circulation rather than in landfill. For the giver, decluttering and helping others has been linked to lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. If you enjoy days built around kindness, you might also like National Cheer Up the Lonely Day, which channels the same generous spirit towards people who feel isolated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Give Something Away Day?
It is an annual day, held on 15 July, that encourages people to give something away, whether possessions, money, time or kindness, to friends, family, strangers or charity. It promotes generosity and mindful consumerism.
When is National Give Something Away Day in 2026?
It takes place on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, and falls on the same date every year.
Who created National Give Something Away Day?
It was founded in 2015 by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher, who registered the observance with the National Day Calendar. It is a grassroots day rather than an officially proclaimed national holiday.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your donations or good deeds on social media with #GiveSomethingAwayDay and #GiveSomethingAwayDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to give something away too.
Related Awareness Days
- National Cheer Up the Lonely Day – Another July observance focused on generosity, encouraging people to brighten the day of someone who feels alone.
- National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day – A hands-on day for making and donating items to shelters in your community.
- Global Hug Your Kids Day – A reminder that some of the most meaningful gifts, like affection and attention, cost nothing at all.
Links
- Visit the National Day Calendar page for National Give Something Away Day
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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