Tuesday, November 29th is #GivingTuesday, a nationally recognized 24-hour period of giving that takes place strategically after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, in contrast to a season becoming more obsessed with retail sales. #GivingTuesday is designed as a day to turn attention to charitable organizations.
Four organizations in the Brownwood area are currently participating in the national event, each promoting #GivingTuesday online through social media. Good Samaritan Ministries, The Salvation Army of Brownwood, Aldersgate Enrichment Center, and Howard Payne University are each pushing the popular hashtag in the hopes of encouraging charitable giving to their organizations.
Good Samaritan Ministries 
For the second year in a row, Good Samaritan Ministries is participating in #GivingTuesday. Good Samaritan Ministries feeds 1,000 families each month from their food pantry as well as serves the community through several other hunger ministries.
“Last year was our first year to be a part of this single day of giving, and we weren’t exactly sure what to expect,” said Leesa Stephens, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries. “But we were so blessed and encouraged by the response of our always-generous supporters who raised more than $15,000 in 24-hours.”
Stephens expressed the need for both big and small donations. “When many people give just a little from their heart, it gets multiplied time and time again,” Stephens said. “And before you know it, we’ll have shot past the goal because God always honors those precious gifts.”
Donations may be made online at goodsambwd.org. Payments can also be made in person at 305 Clark Street in Brownwood. Offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29th to receive donations.
The Salvation Army of Brownwood
More than 100 people in Brownwood enjoy a free hot lunch at The Salvation Army Monday through Friday as part of the ‘Loaves & Fishes’ program. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding The Salvation Army may be forced to make significant cuts to several of their programs.
Individuals and families struggling to make ends meet rely on The Salvation Army to stand in the gap and provide financial assistance with outstanding bills such as rent and utilities.
“Not many people know that we also help with gasoline to out of town doctors appointments, emergency dental or medical bills, fans in the summer, and blankets, coats, and heaters in the winter months,” said Stacy Tennison, the Salvation Army Service Center Director. In September alone, The Salvation Army helped 14 individual families, more than 1,900 adults, and 52 children in the Brownwood area.
“Our staff and volunteers work hard to meet the needs of those who come for help but we need the financial support of our community,” said Tennison.
To make a financial donation to support the programs and ministry of the Salvation Army in Brownwood please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, give online: www.salvationarmytexas.org or visit their offices at 4031 Lakeway, in Brownwood.
Aldersgate Enrichment Center
The Aldersgate Enrichment Center for adults with special needs is launching their “Give us your Lunch Money,” campaign on #GivingTuesday. The average american spends $1352 per year eating out for lunch. Aldersgate is encouraging community members to bring their lunch to work from home on Tuesday, and donate the money they would have spent at a restaurant. A single $10 donation can feed one of the special needs adults, or associates as they’re known at Aldersgate, for an entire week. Aldersgate provides a hot lunch every day to their associates working at the facility. Donations can be made online at: www.aldersgatecenter.org. The Aldersgate Enrichment Center provides assisted living housing for over 20 adults with special needs with their residential program. The center also works to create jobs specific to their associates’ levels of functionality. Aldersgate currently employs seventy-two Associates who provide quality services to regional businesses like Kohler Company, Texas Department of Transportation, DanHil Containers, 3M Corporation, and the State of Texas. These partnerships offer semi-skilled work opportunities and training that maximizes each Associate’s abilities and interests.
Howard Payne University
HPU’s goal for the 24-hour giving period is to receive financial donations from 127 individuals.
“We chose 127 because HPU has provided a Christ-centered higher education to students for 127 years since its establishment in 1889,” said Stephen Sullivan, director of development and alumni relations. “We hope you will be willing to participate and help us reach and exceed our goal of 127 gifts.”
Those interested in supporting HPU’s ongoing endeavor of delivering Christ-centered higher education may give online at www.hputx.edu/givingtuesday. For more information, contact HPU’s Office of Institutional Advancement at (325) 649-8006
