Google 'Hangout-a-thon' Encourages Giving

Google has announced that it will best hosting a “Hangout-a-thon” tomorrow to help raise charitable donations as part of Giving Tuesday. For the day, Mountain View will convert its Google+ Hangouts platform into a digital telethon where viewers will be able to make donations.

“As the holidays approach and our calendars become full, it can be hard to find time to give back to the causes you care about most. Tomorrow, on Giving Tuesday — an annual one-day event that encourages people to make donations to their favorite charities — we’re making it easier for you to connect with a worthy cause through the first-ever “Hangout-a-thon” on Google+.“

Like most telethons, Google’s “Hangout-a-thon” will feature an array of celebrities raising awareness for their charity of choice. Participating organizations include Save the Children, Unicef, the Trevor Project and the Malala Fund. “Starting at 9 a.m. EST tomorrow on the Giving Tuesday Google+ page, you can join nonprofit organizations working to improve clean water access, eliminate bullying, and provide disaster relief in the Philippines. Learn more about their work, ask questions and connect directly to the people they’re helping. Celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Chris Daughtry and Sophia Bush will stop by to join in on the fun, and you can also donate to the charity of your choice while watching the Hangout.”

Google says the event will run for 12 hours and will feature 24 charities and non-profits to donate to. Viewers will have the option of donating directly to an organization or to purchase products and have a percentage of the sale be donated to the charity.

In addition to the charity aspect of the event, Google will also be offering a “quick coding lesson,” according to TechCrunch. It isn’t entirely clear yet what that will entail, but the coding event will be hosted by Code.org, Girls Who Code and Code2040, who will also provide information on digital literacy.

In addition to the “Hangout-a-thon,” Google is encouraging users to take advantage of the One Today Android app, which allows you to make a donation to a different non-profit each day.