Local nonprofits join forces to launch ClallamGives on GivingTuesday to kick off the holiday season
November 24, 2020 – Clallam County, Washington
This December 1st, dozens of Clallam County charitable organizations will fund raise and garner support for their programs and services on the third annual ClallamGives on GivingTuesday. Celebrated nationally each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday kicks off the local holiday giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back. It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.
“We’re incredibly inspired by the way GivingTuesday embraces this worldwide movement for philanthropy,” said Sara Nicholls, Executive Director of the Sequim Free Clinic.
Founded in 2012, GivingTuesday is now a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. GivingTuesday has grown each year as more organizations capitalize on the power of collective giving fueled by this international day of philanthropy. Last year, $511 million was raised nationally online, with total U.S. donations approaching two billion dollars.
This year the giving began on Thursday, November 19 and runs through GivingTuesday, December 1st. Donors are encouraged to give online or by mail to their favorite charities. “Clallam County has a reputation for people coming together for the common good. We’re all in this together, working to stabilize and build stronger, more resilient communities, said Sheila Everett, Program Director of Olympic View Community Foundation. We hope Giving Tuesday will harness the power of our generous community to meet the unprecedented needs of 2020, and help create an even better place to live. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when we all give together”.
“Because of the pandemic this year, nonprofits are having to do more with less. They’ve lost income, staff, and volunteers while trying to meet unprecedented needs in our communities. Some organizations are completely closed, while others face many challenges to fulfill their missions. Several are pivoting to provide crisis response, which has completely changed the priorities of their services”. The year-end giving season can be the lifeblood for many charitable organizations. With nearly one third of all annual donations occurring in the final month of the year, it’s essential for nonprofits to make the most of this peak giving season. This is especially true since 50% of nonprofits receive a majority of their annual budget from October through December each year.
Examples of local programs and services needing support are: Animal Welfare, Early Education, Scholarships, Arts & Entertainment, Environment / Conservation, Food Banks, Medical and Behavioral Health, Housing, Veterans, Senior Centers, and programs benefiting foster children and the disabled.
“As we prepare for December 1st, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The response and support during the pandemic has been heartwarming and critically important, said Melissa Williams, Executive Director of Feiro Marine Life Center.