United Way encourages supporting thousands of people on Giving Tuesday

After the big rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is encouraging people across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to take a moment to give back on Giving Tuesday.  On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, United Way will join the global #GivingTuesday effort. The day is recognized as an opportunity to unite people in communities and to encourage philanthropy, as well as celebrate generosity locally and worldwide.  

As you know, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. It is also the unofficial kick-off the holiday giving season. 

In addition to traditional giving to the United Way that helps thousands of people in need, the organization is also encouraging donations through their website at UnitedWaySEM.org/GivingTuesday.  

“While no one individual can solve all of the challenges across our community, United Way works every day, demonstrating the power of working together to make a real and lasting difference for the most vulnerable in our area,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan.  

“By giving to United Way on #GivingTuesday, you can count on your contributions being directed to moving people towards self-sufficiency and creating stable households for families and children.”   

Harnessing the power of unified giving, United Way has a sustainable impact on those in need. Helping many thousands of people during the holidays and throughout the year. 

Donations to United Way are needed now more than ever: 

  • In our region, 44 percent of families struggle to afford the basics like food, shelter and child care. For these families, one minor setback can lead to a major crisis? 
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is there every hour of every day to connect people in need with emergency resources like food and shelter 
  • A $5 donation covers the cost of one call (2-1-1) to connect community members to needed resources during this holiday season 
  • This year, we’ve already taken 85,389 calls from people in crisis 
  • During the winter months, when the temperature drops, utility costs go up and that impacts family budgets 

Funds raised from this year’s ‘Giving Tuesday’ effort will count toward the nonprofit’s 2019-20 Annual Community Giving Campaign to benefit families and individuals in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties.  

To learn more about United Way and efforts to help those in need, visit their website at UnitedWaySEM.org/GivingTuesday. 

# # # 

  

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan 

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to ensure families can meet their basic needs, children are ready for school and that people are equipped with skills to build a better life. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable and permanent change in communities it serves throughout southeast Michigan, working in partnership with donors, agency, corporate and municipal partners. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.