First there was Black Friday, then there was Cyber Monday. Now there is a movement to create a new holiday called “Giving Tuesday.”

Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the event encourages people to support nonprofit organizations through charitable activities at the start of the holiday season.

Luckily, there are many ways you can help in the South End and around the city of Boston. Here are just a few opportunities to reach out this holiday season: 

• The Animal Rescue League of Boston is accepting donations to help their cause of rescuing animals and preventing animal cruelty, abandonment and neglect. Buy an ornament in honor of your pet for their holiday tree or give directly at www.arlboston.org/donate.
• The Red Sox Foundation is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to become a valued member of our volunteer team, please e-mail us at redsoxfoundation@redsox.com. See here for what type of help they are in need of, or make a donation. 
• The International House of Blues Foundation provides arts and cultural programs to schools and communities. They are looking for help with fundraising and other volunteer opportunities. See here for more details.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is looking for volunteer mentors and also accepts donations to support their programs. As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you spend time with a young person from the area for a few hours, a couple times each month. For more information on how to volunteer or donate to BBBSMB, visit http://www.bbbsmb.org/GetInvolved/Default.aspx.

Know of some other places in the neighborhood or around Boston where you can give back this holiday season? Tell us in the comments or tweet @FenwayKenPatch with the hashtag #givingTuesday.