Give Where You Live
East Texans are generous.
Year after year, we attend golf tournaments in the heat, wine swirls in the park, and fancy galas that require suits and awkwardly high heels all to show our support of causes that are dear to our hearts. Giving back is what we are taught to do and as a region we do it well, but what if there was another way to give? A way to support local and regional charities without getting dressed up or for that matter, without leaving your house? Well there is!
This is the fifth year for East Texas Giving Day. Powered by East Texas Communities Foundation, it is an 18-hour, online giving event. The event officially kicked off at 6:00 a.m. today, Tuesday, April 28, 2020 and ends at midnight. Donors can participate by going online to www.EastTexasGivingDay.org to make their donation of $10 or more.
“Giving Day is happening at an unprecedented time of need,” said Kyle Penney, President of East Texas Communities Foundation. “Nonprofits are responding to an increased demand for services in their communities, meanwhile, donations have slowed due to the postponement of public fundraising events due to concerns of the community spread of the corona virus. Giving Day is an online event which is perfect with everyone social distancing right now. You can make a difference in your community without ever leaving the safety of your home.”
New to the platform for 2020, donors can find information on immediate needs at nonprofits affected by COVID-19. “It is important for nonprofits to be able to share information, quickly to donors,” said Penney. “We added a COVID-19 search filter to assist donors that want to know how agencies are being impacted.”
This year, many of the Bowie and Miller County nonprofits have received match funds from community partners. Combined, the nonprofits have over $120,000 in matching funds available. All match amounts on the giving day website are dollar-for-dollar matches. Donors that give any time before midnight on April 28th, to an organization with a match, have the opportunity to double their donation when processed through the giving day website.
Ongoing updates about the event will be posted on ETCF’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SimplifiedGiving and the giving day website.
The goal of East Texas Giving Day is to fuel the spirit and fun of philanthropy. “East Texas Giving Day gives everyone the opportunity to be a philanthropist,” said Penney. “No heels, suits or golf clubs required!” 
BOWIE & MILLER COUNTY CHARITIES PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT
Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area
Caddo Area Council
Evergreen Life Services
For The Sake Of One
Habitat for Humanity of Texarkana
HandsOn Texarkana
Harvest Regional Food Bank
Just Love and Kindness
Lancer Legacy Ranch
Northeast Texas Casa, Inc.
Randy Sams Outreach Shelter
Rock Solid Resource Center
Runnin’ WJ Ranch
St. James Day School
Susan G. Komen Arkansas
Texarkana College Foundation
TRAHC
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra
TAMU-T Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund
United Way of Greater Texarkana
