Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are behind us for this year, it's time to concentrate on the charitable giving season starting with 'Giving Tuesday', which is today. 

The 'Giving Tuesday' campaign began in 2012 as a way for the community to give back to local charities, whether that be in monetary donations, with time, or even with gifts and the power of one's voice in the community. 

The Mission at Kern County decided to join in and offer a way for people out in the community to take part in the special day. Holiday packs are now up for purchase on The Mission at Kern County's website. The holiday packs range from meal packages, which are $25, to GED training packages, which cost $250 and would give the mission the resources to give this kind of training. 

However, The Mission at Kern County asks the public not feel like they have to give a monetary donation. Volunteer service is something that is always welcomed and highly needed. 

Another local organization taking part in 'Giving Tuesday' is Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue. The dog rescue organization is kicking off a fundraising campaign that will help them support all of the programs they have. 

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching up to $2 million of what's raised on 'Giving Tuesday' through The Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue Facebook donating option, according to the Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue Facebook page.