Wis.(WFRV)-- First Black Friday, then Cyber-Monday and now "Giving Tuesday," it's a new national effort to encourage people to give back this holiday season.

It was started out of New York 92nd Street Y who said their goal is to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

More than 2,000 organizations from all 50 states are joining in on "Giving Tuesday". Dozens of organizations in Wisconsin are participating including  Bay Park Square mall. They're hoping to encourage customers to give back.

"We feel that it's not only important to give to others but also to give back to the community and that's why we are a part of giving Tuesday," said Stephanie Blavat, Director of Marketing and Business Development, " This is something you can do during the holiday season, while you're shopping."

The mall will be taking donations for the American Red Cross and Simon Youth foundation.

They want to hear how you're giving back this holiday season online. Follow them onfacebook or twitter and use the hastag #givingback.

The United Way of Brown County is not involved but did give us some ways the to give back this holiday season.

They said the biggest needs in our area this month are Food and Shelter. They suggest donating to your local food pantry, or homeless shelter.  

"A lot of the basic needs are given a lot to during the holidays cause people think of are they safe are they warm do they have food to eat, do they have clothing," said Gregg Hetue, President/CEO of United Way.

They also suggest donating to local organizations that may not have as much name recognition but have a lot of need.

"There's certainly a plethora of organizations that could use help at any time of the year and maybe you don't hear about them as often," said Hetue.

A few they recommended looking at:

Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W.

Howe Community Resource Center

Court Appointed Special Advocates

Encompass Early Education and Care

Hand-n-Hand

They also get a lot of interest in volunteering this time of year and there is no shortage of help needed. The Volunteer Center of Brown County can help set you up with volunteering opportunities. Visit their website.

"Whether it's helping out bell ringing, food pantries, maybe new shelter for serving a meal this time of year people can get great satisfaction out of volunteering as well," said Hetue.