With so many in need, this year’s event is expected to break records.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thanksgiving weekend of 2020 may look quite different than years past.
On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26), many people may choose not to gather with family members, particularly those who live far away, because of the dangers of spreading the disease. Black Friday (Nov. 27) has transitioned to largely online and retailers will spread deals throughout the month to avoid having huge crowds of people in one place at one time.
In a year where so many things are outside of the ordinary, the organizers of #GivingTuesday (Dec. 1) seek an equally extraordinary outpouring of generosity. Nearly seven months after #GivingTuesdayNow was held (May 5) to promote giving and unity in the face of the pandemic, many still seek assistance with basic necessities. With the resulting strain on nonprofit organizations, the need is keenly felt.
Texas Tech University's Nathaniel Wright, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Master of Public Administration program, is an expert in nonprofit management and philanthropic fundraising. He can discuss the importance of #GivingTuesday and why it's so badly needed.
Expert
Nathaniel Wright, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, (806) 834-4817 or nathaniel.wright@ttu.edu
Talking points
- #GivingTuesday is a worldwide campaign that focuses on philanthropy and the change people can make in their own communities. It has raised more than $1 billion in the United States alone since its inception in 2012.
- In 2019, #GivingTuesday campaigns raised more than $1.9 billion globally. #GivingTuesdayLBK raised more than $533,000 to support local charities.
- This year's #GivingTuesday is expected to break records.
- Lubbock's #GivingTuesday movement was started in 2015 by Alstrom Angels and the Community Foundation of West Texas.
- Many millennials are donating through Facebook campaigns, in part because it gives the instant gratification of advertising it.
Quotes
- "#GivingTuesday strives to make the world a better place in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of a society we are all working to build together."
- "As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, #GivingTuesday has stepped up its game to provide needed resources to support local charities that are providing services for the most vulnerable."
- "It allows you to step back and, as you're thinking about what you have and the importance of family, I think that sparks giving."
- "Americans spend so much money for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Why not give back to your favorite charity to support a really important cause?"
