By: Elizabeth Webb
Disney® and ABC® have designated today, August 31, 2017, as the #DayofGiving to raise money for those affected by the flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Many stars appeared on Good Morning America this morning, asking people to donate to the American Red Cross. Alex Rodriguez, Tony Danza, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Jonas, Rascal Flatts and Matthew McConaughey answered phones and asked viewers to find some way to give, whether it is time, blood, money or supplies.
Last Sunday, Houston Texan J.J. Watt sent out a plea to raise $200,000 for victims in the Houston area. As of this morning, he had raised over $10 million.
The stories are heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Monster trucks plucking people from second story windows. Fishing boats bringing families to a local furniture store to sleep. People standing in a long line, not for food or diapers, but to volunteer. It’s natural for individuals to want to help after a natural disaster.
Many companies were among the first to pledge financial support and supplies. Trucks started rolling out with bottled water, building supplies, baby food and blankets while hurricane and tornado warnings were still going off. In addition to donations from the large corporations such as Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, United Airlines, and HEB, smaller businesses such as Gallery Furniture offered mattresses and shelter inside their two Houston-area stores.
Let’s keep this spirit of giving going. Another day of giving is coming up right after Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday is a six-year old movement that asks everyone to support a charity of their choice on this special day. In 2016, 1.64 million gifts were made online, totaling $177,000,000 from 98 countries.
#GivingTuesday is a great way for nonprofits and companies to say ‘thank you’ to all of their stakeholders. It is a chance to tell employees, customers, suppliers and supporters how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout the past year. It will be especially important to say thank you to everyone who gave money and time to those affected by the devastating flood waters this week.
Today, on this #DayofGiving, please give what you can to help the victims of the horrible flooding throughout Texas. But also plan to participate in #GivingTuesday on November 28, 2017. It is a great way to help thousands of other worthy organizations and to say thank you to those who give so much.
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