BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – While Black Friday and Cyber Monday encourage spending, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus to generosity and community support.
Local nonprofits tell NewsChannel 7 they are counting on it more than ever this year, especially as many families feel the financial squeeze.
“There’s a lot of focus on going out and shopping and spending all of your money and it’s a good way for our communities to recognize the importance of the charitable organizations in our area,” said Gina Littleton, Ceo of United Way of Northwest Florida.
Giving Tuesday serves as a reminder to support charitable organizations.
In Bay County, groups like United Way of Northwest Florida are rallying for donations and volunteers.
“Maybe take at least one of those days within that season to spend some time either volunteering for an organization, donating your funds to an organization, and helping out the organizations around town to do the incredible work that they do,” said Littleton.
It is the giving season but this year, the holiday spirit of giving hasn’t been as strong.
“It’s been a tough year,” said Littleton. “I’m sure it will come as a surprise to no one that things have been expensive this year going to the grocery store has cost more money than maybe previously. Fundraising has been tough. We have seen things become difficult this year as have a lot of our organizations.”
Organization leaders say giving doesn’t always have to be financial. Nonprofits emphasize that time is just as valuable.
“There’s a ton of partner organizations, and volunteering is always helpful if you can come and give us a little bit of your time to help us do what we do,” said Littleton.
Organization leaders with another nonprofit say they hope to see more volunteers for Giving Tuesday
“Usually when we get an influx, it’s right after the holidays around New Year’s is when we get more volunteers,” said Leanne Gaudet, Bay County area manager of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I’m happy to say that we did get several come through over Thanksgiving break, so maybe it is the start of something more people wanting to get back.”
If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can go to United Way of Northwest Florida to see the list of organizations.
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