Submitted by Laurie Ruderfer, Exec. Dir., HKYFS.
(Nov. 25, 2020) — #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that relies on the generosity of businesses, individuals and communities, nationwide, to think about others and give.
Since 2012, #GivingTuesday has been celebrated on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely popular shopping days of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Historically, these three days have signaled the beginning of the holiday shopping and gift giving season. This year, for reasons we are all well acquainted with, much of our shopping will be online even as we continue to support local small and beloved businesses.
So, on the heels of Cyber Monday comes #GivingTuesday, a day set aside for giving so small organizations like ours can continue to do the work that we do. HKYFS has continued to provide services over the course of the past 9-months. We have made innovative adjustments in our efforts to reach people, set up safe meeting spaces for groups, talked by phone, computer and distanced outside. We have also sought out those who might not know that we are here to provide a little bit of extra help, in any way needed, during this unique and sometimes overwhelming time.
Last year, funding raised on #GivingTuesday was put toward one or more of the following events or used to help facilitate our:
- Counseling services for individual youth and/or their families
- Holiday giving program
- Back to school supply drive for RSD17 youth and families
- After school groups at HKIMS and HKHS
- Coalition meetings to examine challenges faced by youth and approaches to issues through education and action
- Ability to provide financial assistance to families in crisis
- Annual pumpkin run
Our mission, to enhance child and youth development, enrich families, and promote a health community could not be achieved without you as a partner. Your generosity on #GivingTuesday 2020 can make all the difference in the world, and we, collectively, thank you for that.
Have a safe, healthy, and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
