TYLER, Texas — East Texas Giving Day will benefit over 300 East Texas nonprofits, which will allow these organizations to continue their mission.
CampV, a resource and service center for military veterans and their families, hosted an open house Tuesday to show the community what their money is paying for.
"Hang out as veterans, hang out as a community and get to learn a little bit more about CampV and the different things that we offer here," CampV Executive Director Travis Gladhill said.
Programs offered by CampV are made possible by donations made by community members. Last year, they raised nearly $20,000 and this year, their goal is $30,000.
'"Anything and everything that a veteran or their family member can possibly need can be found right here at CampV," Gladhill said. "Right now, we’re assisting just over 692 veterans a month and over 1,100 service appointments a month."
The money raised goes directly towards the programs they offer including the emergency financial assistance.
"Last year we were able to use that funding to assist and ensure that almost 40 veterans did not go homeless," Gladhill said.
Gladhill hopes that this kind of community engagement will attract more eyes to their mission.
"To reach out and tell the community what we’re all about and why you should donate to CampV, how you can get involved with CampV and how you can assist your military veterans," Gladhill said.
The SPCA of East Texas is another nonprofit benefiting from East Texas Giving Day, Director of Operations Kat Cortelyou said the need to help stray animals is year-round.
"We rehabilitate them, we place them in foster home, let them learn some manners and we get them adopted....everything we do is run off donor dollars," Cortelyou said.
Last year during East Texas Giving Day, the SPCA of East Texas was able to raise roughly $18,000.
"(The money) goes a long way when you’re trying to spay and neuter them and get them their shots," Cortelyou said. "Let them know that we are here and we are a resource for people that may need the help."
Every penny donated will stay right here in East Texas no matter which nonprofit you donate to. If you'd like to donate, you can visit this link here.