HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – National Day of Giving, also known as “Giving Tuesday” falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It was created in 2012. The mission behind the day is simple. According to the official website, “Giving Tuesday” is “a day that encourages people to do good.”
It is recognized around the world, and now folks here in the mountains will benefit from the generosity of others.
“This is a huge day for us, from a fundraising perspective because of course, as a nonprofit organization, the way that we fund everything that we do is through grants and donations,” Director of Development and Communications for the Housing Development Alliance Mindy Miller said. “So it’s very, very important to us to be able to get this money coming in today.”
Organizers and volunteers with HDA are working to rebuild homes lost in the flood two years ago. They have already rebuilt 31 homes out of an estimated 500 lost. Miller said the donations they receive are used right away for materials like nails, shingles, and flooring.
“They make an immediate impact in their community because we’re using it immediately,” Miller explained. “It’s not like you give money to an idea like, you know, like an agency that supports an idea, and you kind of wait to see what happens. With us, we’re building homes every single day, so your money goes to working immediately.”
Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Middlesboro, Carrie McCall said “Giving Tuesday” is a good way to refocus on what the holiday season is about, especially after the long weekend of shopping sales and spending money.
“We serve meals to the homeless community four days a week, we help with utility and rent assistance and we’re also able to provide food through our food pantry on a daily basis as well,” McCall said.
McCall explained the Middlesboro Salvation Army relies solely on individual donations and receives no government funding. She emphasized that donations are crucial for providing year-round assistance.
“Every dollar that’s raised gets put to use here in our community,” McCall said. “What we raise during this season helps to ensure that we’re able to help people year-round.”
McCall said her goal for this season is to raise $100,000. Miller said HDA’s goal for Tuesday is to raise $1,500. As of 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday, they have exceeded that goal, raising $1,680.
To learn more about donating and other ways to help the Salvation Army in Middlesboro click here. To give or learn more about HDA click here.
McCall and Miller both said every dollar counts when it comes to generosity this “Giving Tuesday.”
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