LA-based organizations participate in Giving Tuesday

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Giving Tuesday was created in response to the hyper-consumerism of Black Friday. 

Last year's holiday raised more than 10 million dollars in online donations, attracting organizations, cultural-centers and universities to take part. 

Occidental College did not set a goal on how much they were looking to raise today, but Lucy Richardson, the assistant director of annual funds, was pleasantly surprised at the response to this day of giving. 

Organizations participating in the second annual Giving Tuesday say the movement is largely driven by social media and marketing efforts.

Chrysalis, a non-profit that helps homeless and low-income individuals get back on their feet, took the opportunity of this holiday to promote their cause. 

The LA County Bicycle Coalition is another organization taking part in Giving Tuesday. They are using the festive day to jumpstart a program that provides bike lights and education about bike safety. 

Groups like Heal the Bay, who participated last year, are already seeing an increase in profits from last Giving Tuesday. 

The overall goal of today is to inspire a season of giving, not just consuming.