HAZARD, Ky. – The National Day of Giving, commonly referred to as “Giving Tuesday,” took place on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Established in 2012, this day promotes the spirit of kindness and philanthropy across the globe.
Local organizations in the mountains, particularly the Housing Development Alliance (HDA) and the Salvation Army in Middlesboro, are set to benefit significantly from this day of generosity.
Mindy Miller, the Director of Development and Communications for HDA, emphasized the importance of Giving Tuesday for their fundraising efforts. As a nonprofit, they rely heavily on grants and donations to support their mission. Miller noted, “This is a huge day for us, from a fundraising perspective. The money raised today makes an immediate impact in the community, allowing us to purchase essential materials for rebuilding homes that were lost in floods two years ago.” So far, HDA has successfully rebuilt 31 homes out of an estimated 500 that were destroyed.
Furthermore, Carrie McCall, the Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Middlesboro, highlighted the value of Giving Tuesday as a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season, especially following the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Salvation Army provides essential services, including meal assistance for the homeless, utility and rent support, and daily food distribution through their pantry. McCall pointed out that they rely entirely on donations, with no government funding, making public contributions vital for their continuous support to the community throughout the year. Her goal for this season is to raise $100,000, while HDA aimed for $1,500, and by the end of the day, they had garnered $1,680.
Both McCall and Miller stressed that every contribution counts this Giving Tuesday, reminding the community that each dollar can lead to significant change and support for those in need.
This day not only supports current initiatives but also fosters a culture of giving and community support, encouraging others to contribute and make a difference in their local areas.
*Hopeful Comment: As communities unite to support these initiatives, it highlights the power of generosity and the potential for positive change, reaffirming the concept that even the smallest contributions can yield substantial benefits for those facing challenges.*