'It’s a critical time': Local nonprofits see community support on Giving Tuesday

QUINCY − Quincy-based Manet Community Health set out on Tuesday to raise $10,000. Thanks in part to an anonymous donor's $5,000 gift, the nonprofit passed its goal by nearly $2,000.

Giving Tuesday – a day to encourage people to do good and support their communities on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – has become an important day for organizations to turn to donors for support, nonprofit leaders said.

“Giving Tuesday is the unofficial kickoff for the year end, so we’re thankful for donors who thought of us,” said Sandra McGunigle, Manet’s director of marketing and communications. “It gives nonprofits one more way to elevate their message and it acts as a reminder for those who may be in the position to give."

'Positive, joyful': Hingham high, middle school students set to stage 'The Music Man' starting Thursday

More: Predicting who will win each of the 8 MIAA high school football Super Bowls at Gillette

From food pantries to animal rescues, many organizations on the South Shore took to social media seeking donations Tuesday. Facebook announced it would match up to $7 million in donations to eligible fundraisers.

Giving Tuesday raised a record $3.1 billion in 24 hours for charitable causes in the U.S. this year, according to the Associated Press. The event that started as a hashtag in 2012 celebrated its 10th anniversary and its status as a staple of fundraising for nonprofits.

But Giving Tuesday also means nonprofits have to vie for attention and support alongside countless other worthy causes, which can make fundraising more difficult.

Pamela Denholm, executive director of the Weymouth Food Pantry, said the Tuesday after Thanksgiving can be a competitive time to get donations, especially when need is high.

“It’s a challenging environment right now because so many people are hurting with the costs of groceries, gas and electricity going up, but as more people find themselves struggling, more come to nonprofits for help,” she said. “It’s a critical time to support local nonprofits.”

The Weymouth Food Pantry broke records this Thanksgiving, feeding more families and distributing more food than any prior year. The pantry provided Thanksgiving meals to 744 families, an increase of 152 from 2021.

But as need increases, Denholm said donations have been “slightly slower” than in past years.

She said Giving Tuesday helps get people thinking about giving back during the holiday season, which can be especially challenging for many families.

“It’s a terrific opportunity to create space and time for how we can support nonprofits,” she said. “Overall,  we benefit enormously and we’re very thankful to get the community thinking about the work we do.”

Newsmaker: Predicting who will win each of the 8 MIAA high school football Super Bowls at GilletteMarshfield man pushes lost item recovery 'to the limit' with metal detecting

Newsmaker: Lifelong Hingham resident marks 40 years as crossing guard

The food pantry has a campaign to raise money to serve holiday meals to families in need in December. For every dollar raised, Denholm said the food pantry can procure $7 worth of food.

On Tuesday, Quincy Community Action Programs held a ribbon cutting for its new pantry at 18 Copeland St. The purchase and renovation of the building represents a $2.3 million investment by the organization and its supporters.

Beth Ann Strollo, the nonprofit's chief executive officer, said Giving Tuesday isn’t so much of a one-day push for fundraising, but a way to jump-start the giving season.

“We’re raising money to help pay for the renovation, and we’re always raising money for our food center,” she said. “Historically, it’s a very busy time of year, and the needs just have not decreased in any way.”

Strollo said the food center had 33% more clients this October than last October, and rising heating costs also have low-income families concerned. While donations continue to come in, she said the needs are rising quickly.

"We’re concerned that donations won’t come in at the same level," she said. "During the pandemic, people who had resources were very generous with resources, and we were blessed with a lot of donations. But that has changed a bit because the stock market has changed, and that impacts people who rely upon that income to donate."

Cheryl Wheeler, a spokesperson for Quincy Animal Shelter, said Giving Tuesday helps raise awareness for the organization. For example, the group publicized its open house, will is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 440R E. Squantum Street. Supporters can pick up a 2023 Quincy Animal Shelter calendar and learn about the group.

"This day helps to further create awareness, visibility and donations for the Quincy Animal Shelter and the significant need we have for the animals in our care," she said. "We appreciate the donations that have come through so far and the support from the Quincy community.”

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Local nonprofits see community support on Giving Tuesday