United Way of Story County to Support Health and Wellness Programs for #GivingTuesday
Global Day of Giving Takes Place this Year on November 29
United Way of Story County (UWSC) will support health and wellness programs in Story County for #GivingTuesday, a global movement built by people around the world, to celebrate giving of all kinds. It is a joint effort between businesses, non-profits, and individuals that is meant to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities and contribute in countless ways to the causes they believe in. Everyone has something to give. Since its founding in 2012, millions of people have come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. It is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), Black Friday and Cyber Monday; this year it falls on November 29, 2016.
Through UWSC’s work with Story County Quality of Life Alliance’s (SCQLA) Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health and wellness were identified as two of the top priorities for Story County. Mental Health has been identified as a top priority for many years. UWSC has been a long-time supporter of these priorities and is dedicated to continuing to invest in programs that meet these needs in our community. This year, UWSC will direct the funds raised through #GivingTuesday to these programs.
After two days for getting deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday – #GivingTuesday is a day for giving back. In dozens of towns, cities, regions and states people are embracing this day as an opportunity to raise money for local nonprofits, schools and arts organizations; run food and clothing drives; teach children about philanthropy; encourage acts of kindness; collaborate with their neighbors; and celebrate generosity.
In 2015, nonprofits raised more than $117 million online on #GivingTuesday to help make the world a better place in countless ways. Much more was generated offline and through donations of time and other resources. People participated in #GivingTuesday activities in 71 countries around the globe last year, and this year, there will be even more countries participating.
UWSC has been supporting local community efforts through #GivingTuesday since 2013. In 2015, the funds raised were used to tutor children through the Iowa Reading Corps.
“Giving is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity,” said Jean Kresse, president and CEO of UWSC. “In a season full of shopping and celebrating, #GivingTuesday reminds us of the importance of giving back and helping people who need extra support so that, together, we can build a stronger community.”
Those who are interested in joining UWSC’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.uwstory.org/giving-tuesday.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media.
UWSC is a strategic leader in building countywide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support and evaluate effective human services, especially in the areas of education, income and health for our diverse community.