TYLER, Texas — Tyler Gives returns for its fourth year to help local nonprofits raise money on Giving Tuesday.
Hosted by Tyler Gives and the United Way of Smith County, this annual event helps more than a dozen local nonprofits with end-of-year funding that organizations like PATH depend on so they can continue helping East Texans.
"We do our best to optimize our opportunity to raise funds so that whenever a person in need goes to one of our agencies, they can say yes," said Mary Foster, campaign director of United Way of Smith County.
However, saying yes to helping those in need has become difficult for some agencies as they see a significant increase in needs.
PATH is a nonprofit that helps our neighbors in need with rental assistance and transitional housing. They've seen a 30% increase in people seeking their services.
"The cost of food, the cost of basic need items has really impacted our products that we serve. Right now, we're spending about $13,000 to $15,000. (We're) seeing big increases across the board in every area that we offer assistance," said Leslie Thomas, development director of PATH.
The American Red Cross of Tyler is another organization that relies on fundraisers like Tyler Gives since they don’t get federal funding.
"Last year was our first year to participate and we only raised a couple of $1,000. (I) hope that in year two, we can raise between $20,000 and $25,000," said Karen Holt, executive director of the American Red Cross of East Texas.
Holt added that winter months typically are when they see an increase in house fires.
"So for the community to give to the American Red Cross during this time of the year. It really helps us to always be prepared and respond," Holt said.
Last year, United Way raised $222,000 in one day to meet its total yearly goal of $2 million. This year, they hope to do the same.
The United Way of Smith County is offering a $75,000 matching grant. All of the proceeds will stay local and go toward the participating nonprofits. The first $75,000 will be matched starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
"Today is really to get the community involved in giving back to local nonprofit organizations that serve our community each and every day," said Executive Director with the East Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross.
This is the second year the Red Cross participates in Tyler Gives. Holt said you can never tell when an emergency is going to happen, which is why it’s critical for them to have the necessary funds to assist those after an emergency. Their goal this year is to raise $25,000. With that money, Holt said you can 100-150 families. If you can’t donate money at this time, you can donate your time.
Tyler gives is a critical component of our fundraising each and everyday. 90% of our workforce is volunteer, and we are always looking for great volunteers," Holt said.
Another nonprofit getting in on the action is Habitat for Humanity. Last year, they raised about $5,000. This year, they plan on doubling that.
"Smith county habitat has been here since 1989," said Habitat for Humanity spokesperson Kaitlyn Shultz, "This money goes back to the mission habitat which has to do with providing affordable housing, and safe and accessible housing to smith county neighbors."
Tyler Gives nonprofits range from financial stability programs to local health and crisis intervention programs as well as local education programs like the Literacy Council of Tyler. They help residents earn their GED, learn English or obtain a certification to go into the workforce.
"Just over 2,000 adults in our area were served in our program this year. Donations to the literacy council of Tyler provide instructional materials to instructors," said Director of Community Engagement Bailey Nichols.
For more information on how to donate on Giving Tuesday, click here.