How The Giving Spirit Can Give You The 'Helper's High'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- 30,000 organizations were helped by donations on Giving Tuesday.
The day follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday and it's all about charity and kick starting the holiday season.
St. Joe's basketball coach Phil Martelli was among those helping to raise money at the WOGL Loves Our Kids Radiothon, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It's collected more than $7.5 million over 15 years. The money goes to Child Life Services, which lets kids be kids, even in the hospital, by providing fun activities.
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Giving Tuesday, fueled by the power of social media, has raised more than $116 million from 71 countries.
It marks the beginning of the holiday season. Studies show giving can actually stimulate the reward center of the brain. This triggers the release of endorphins that researchers now call the "helper's high."
Studies have also shown that people who take part in charitable giving can benefit with lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression and lower stress levels, but the rewards of giving only come when it's by choice and not expected.
Giving may actually help people live longer as well. Research shows that people who are regular volunteers, giving and donating their time, are more likely to live longer than those who don't.
The average donation for Giving Tuesday is $107, which helped out thousands of charities.
