United Way hosts Giving Tuesday

HARLINGEN — For many, the days after Thanksgiving are followed by days of buying.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are popular among bargain shoppers looking to score a deal on electronics and Christmas presents.

Enter Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global act of creating awareness for charitable organizations and creating an opportunity for them to fundraise and bring in volunteers.

United Way of Northern Cameron County has been a part of the campaign for the past three years.

United Way has partnered with the Harlingen school district and Chik Fil A to put on two separate campaigns under the umbrella of Giving Tuesday.

Faculty and staff of the Harlingen school district will have the opportunity to wear casual clothes during the week if they donate a minimum of $5 to the campaign.

Chik Fil A will also host a fundraiser where a percentage of all meals purchased on Tuesday will go toward the campaign day.

According to Kathy Preddy of United Way, Chik Fil A has been working with United Way since the inception of the campaign.

“We are promoting our work in the community and the work we’re doing,” Preddy said.

Preddy said most non-profits have been participating in one form or another.

“It is a day everyone can give back financially or volunteer,” Preddy said. “Anyone, anywhere can participate.”

United Way is collecting funds to benefit 14 agencies that the organization works with, including their own programming.

The Giving Tuesday campaign adds to United Way’s yearly funding.

Last year, United Way collected more than $400,000 for agencies such as the Harlingen Literacy Center, Valley AIDS Council and the Harlingen Food Pantry.

“It is an opportunity of organizations to tell their messages and to fundraise and recruit volunteers,” Preddy said.

Residents still wanting to participate in the event past the actual date will still be able to access the link to donate.