On April 27, 2021, the East Texas community came together to support local non-profits through financial gifts as well as pledging volunteer hours. As of today, the total giving was $2,810,647 with over 17,500 hours of volunteer hours pledged. This is a $600,000 increase from last year’s donations.
It is truly amazing to see the community rally together to support non-profits after what 2020 looked like for many. A lot of local non-profits were affected by the pandemic, but it just shows how much the community cares.
One of the non-profits that benefitted from East Texas Giving Day was Bethesda Health Clinic, who provides healthcare to hardworking low-income adults who are uninsured or underinsured. They envision their clinic as embodying Christ in action – bringing healing and hope to the people they serve.
“We are just one of many ministries that benefitted from the outpouring of the community. It just blows my mind,” said Megan Riaz, Director of Community Affairs.
“People are so generous, and they do it joyfully and from a place of sincerity. East Texas is such a generous community, and they give because they love God and want to love their neighbors. People have been blessed and just have a desire to give back to others,” said Riaz.
Hope Haven of East Texas was another recipient of East Texas Giving Day. They provide services to adolescent girls ages 13-17 who are in the Texas foster care system. Their goal is to provide a loving and nurturing environment where the girls will get their needs met in ways that promote their understanding that they are safe, precious and have a voice.
“We rely so much on the community to help meet the needs of these girls. Funding affords services like horse therapy, archery and summer camps. Financial support also gives the girls opportunities that offer “normalcy” such as participation in school sports, church youth groups, recreational outings, drivers education and graduation expenses. Having people to hold us up either by physically assisting staff or through prayer is priceless. We also receive donations to assist with school supplies, welcome bags, season passes to amusement parks, and hygiene items,” said Gwen Thompson, Business and HR Director at Hope Haven.
Generosity Tyler focuses on whole-life generosity that is a result of all God has given to us. Everything we have is from Him and we have all been given different gifts to be used to serve others. This type of biblical generosity is about being generous with our time and talent as well. Hope Haven’s volunteers do this by being healthy adult role models, teaching life skills, leading Bible studies, providing transportation, and offering emotional support.
“We need committed direct care staff and volunteers who will stick with the girls through their best days and their worst days. They don’t need a revolving door of workers. They need stability and security. This is a calling, and it doesn’t pay well monetarily, but the rewards are far above anything money can buy,” said Thompson.
While East Texas Giving Day is an awesome opportunity, our generosity does not have to stop there. Local non-profits need financial assistance, resources, and volunteers year-round. Discover your passions, research what organizations are doing that well and find creative ways to live out whole-life generosity in East Texas!