November 21, 2017 | Source: Lubbock Avalache-Journal
By Lucinda Holt
The Lubbock community and organization leaders spoke of the generosity of “the giant side of Texas” during the Giving Tuesday ribbon cutting and ceremony on Tuesday morning.
Representatives of various non-profit organizations gathered at the United Supermarkets Store Support Center at 7830 Orlando Ave. as Lubbock Mayor Pro Tem Latrelle Joy declared Nov. 28 as Lubbock’s day of giving.
Joy said Giving Tuesday is the philanthropic response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday as citizens team up in an effort to raise funds for local non-profits in a movement that began in New York City in 2012.
“Giving Tuesday is about donations, but you can also give up your time and your talents in addition to donations,” she said. “I understand that you have a goal to meet in terms of donations, and I am confident that you all will reach that goal. Because Lubbock is full of charitable people — people who care and people who want to help — I have no doubt that you are going to be very, very successful.”
Cassie Johnston, executive director of Alström Angels and director for Lubbock Giving Tuesday, said this initiative is in its third year amd they have been able to raise and estimated half-million dollars toward local charities.
This year, the goal is set at $275,ooo to be divided among 60 local organizations.
Johnston founded Alström Angels after she and her husband learned their daughter had the rare genetic disease, Alström syndrome.
Knowing the importance of contributions from generous citizens, Johnston encourages everyone to donate and support a charitable cause.Support for a local organization can be shown through the campaign’s “Share your UnSelfie” social media movement.”
Johnston said people can take photos of themselves highlighting their favorite charity and upload the pictures to social media using the hashtags #UNselfie #GivingTuesdayLBK.
“Whether someone can give $5 or $5,000, every single penny makes a difference,” she said, “and it all helps organizations that make our community a better place to live for every one.”
Donations received from Giving Tuesday will be an added bonus from monies already received by organizations through grants and funding.
During the morning ceremony, United Supermarket representatives presented a check for $5,000 toward the movement.
Mary Myers, senior communications and community relations manager for The United Family, said the the company has been given the opportunity to sponsor the movement as donations will be accepted through area store cash registers.
On Nov. 28, customers can add a cash donation of any value to their grocery bill at checkout.
She said contributions will be received at all stores throughout the South Plains, including Lubbock, Plainview, Levelland, Slaton and Post.
“What we know in West Texas, for sure, is that people feel really good about helping each other,” Myers said. “These people, our neighbors, step up whenever the call goes out when there is somebody is in need. West Texans are among the most giving people in the world so it was a natural fit for United to join the movement.”
Michelle Tosi-Stephens, vice president of development for The Community Foundation of West Texas, said the amount of monetary donations have increased every year and they already have raised $60,000 ahead of their launch date.
State Sen. Charles Perry addressed the movement through a letter, which was read at the ceremony: “Let’s go and show the world that it is the giant hearts of the people of West Texas that make us the giant side of Texas.”
Tosi-Stephens said donation cam be made through United Supermarkets or brought to The Community Foundation of West Texas, 3102 82nd St. #8B.
“I just think Lubbock is such a generous and giving community — Lubbock and the surrounding communities — and I’m excited to see what we can do,” she said, “what kind of history we can see on Tuesday, Nov. 28.”
For more information, including a list of all participating charities, or to make a donation to a charity of your choice, visit http://givingtuesdaylbk.org.Donations will be received online until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 28.