HAZARD, Ky. – Giving Tuesday, also referred to as the National Day of Giving, takes place on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Established in 2012, this special day aims to inspire individuals to contribute positively to their communities and promote acts of kindness.
This year, residents in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky are poised to benefit significantly from this global movement. For nonprofit organizations like the Housing Development Alliance (HDA), the day represents a critical fundraising opportunity. Mindy Miller, the Director of Development and Communications at HDA, highlighted the importance of donations, stating that their operation relies heavily on grants and donations to fund their projects.
HDA is currently focused on rebuilding homes lost to flooding two years ago, having reconstructed 31 out of an estimated 500 homes that were affected. Miller stressed how immediate the impact of donations is, stating that funds go directly toward purchasing necessary materials, allowing them to build homes daily and help the community swiftly.
Carrie McCall, the Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Middlesboro, emphasized the significance of Giving Tuesday in shifting focus towards the true spirit of the holiday season, especially after an intense period of consumerism. The Salvation Army provides essential services, including meals for the homeless four days a week and assistance with utilities and rent. McCall noted that their organization relies entirely on individual donations without any government funding, making every contribution vital to their year-round support efforts.
This season, McCall aims to raise $100,000, while HDA set a goal of $1,500. By the end of the day on Tuesday, HDA surpassed its target, raising $1,680, demonstrating the community’s generous spirit.
Both McCall and Miller reiterated the importance of every donation, encouraging the public to contribute and help make a difference in their local communities this Giving Tuesday.
In summary, Giving Tuesday fosters community connection and generosity, with local organizations like HDA and the Salvation Army benefiting from the outpouring of support. With the community rallying together to give, there’s a hopeful reminder that positive change is possible, reinforcing the spirit of giving beyond just a single day.
For those interested in contributing, more information on supporting the Salvation Army in Middlesboro and HDA is available through their respective platforms. Every contribution counts toward enriching lives and sustaining community assistance.