Giving Tuesday helping to raise awareness for non-profits

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the 12th year, Giving  Tuesday was held the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

Its goal is to raise awareness and financial support for non-profits and the work they do in their communities.

One of the non-profits in the Cape Fear region helped by Giving Tuesday is Step Up Wilmington, which helps people find jobs.

Executive director Teresa Wolf said it’s special having a day where they see so many people reach out to help them and other organizations.

“It sort of reaffirms your faith in humanity and something that we all need right now,” Wolf said. “And so, it really touches my heart to hear from people, on any day, but particularly Giving Tuesday.”

Community engagement director Carolyn Beatty said they’ve seen an increase in the number of people reaching out to volunteer.

“Probably have had 3 or 4 to call me this morning for volunteer opportunities with Step up Wilmington,” Beatty said. “So I think that’s great. I’m waiting, I’m waiting to get 4, 5 more calls, you know, by the end of the day, if not more.”

For other nonprofits, Giving Tuesday isn’t just one day for them.

Foster Pantry executive director Stacy Pullen said Giving Tuesday helps set up her organization for the rest of the year and beyond.

“So we use it to kind of launch our year-end campaign to kind of what our needs are going to be for 2025,” Pullen said. “And for 2025, we’re hoping to start our Foster Closet fund which will kind of give us funds throughout the year to buy the things that we need for the kids when they enter foster care.”

Since starting, Giving Tuesday has also become a non-profit and said more than $3.1 billion were donated nationally during last year’s Giving Tuesday.