Local Organization Gives Back On Giving Tuesday
BALTIMORE (WJZ) --- Along with Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday. Alex Demetrick reports on the relatively new concept.
Our Daily Bread Employment Center didn't just spring up in Baltimore. It took donations to build and donations to keep meals coming.
Our Daily Bread volunteers serve up to 800 meals a day. They have not missed a day in 32 years.
"There's the satisfaction of trying to help someone less fortunate than yourself and giving back," Sheila Woolfolk, Our Daily Bread volunteer said.
Every day is considered a giving day at Our Daily Bread, but two years ago is when the concept of Giving Tuesday launched. Giving Tuesday places charitable organizations in a brief spotlight during the spending rush towards Christmas. Charity organizers like Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities, appreciate having a day dedicated to giving.
"Giving Tuesday is a great day, both to raise awareness about the work that's being done in the community and ways to support our neighbors in need," McCarthy said.
Donations to Catholic Charities provides more than meals.
"I wanted to do something different to enhance my life instead of staying in the same box," James Wright, Christopher Place participant said.
Wright said he used to be angry and troubled. Now he's enrolled in the Christopher Place employment program, The program is an 18-month residency of job resources paid for by donations.
"I can call myself a dressed up trashcan now," Wright said. "I'm cleaning myself out and I'm renewing myself."
Giving Tuesday is the return for basic human warmth. For some it means getting a meal. For others it means getting a check from volunteering.
"Since you're so blessed, it feels like you should just give something back," Woolfolk said.
Although today is Giving Tuesday, charitable organizations said they will gladly accept any help any day of the year.
