ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – After Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday. It’s a day that began back in 2012 and is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to others.
This year on Giving Tuesday, News 6 and the Salvation Army will be at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs with the world’s largest red kettle to raise awareness about the organization and the people they serve.
Major Roger Glick with the Salvation Army says the iconic red kettle along with Giving Tuesday have become critical to sustaining their mission of “Doing The Most Good” year round.
“When we think about homeless prevention activity, one of the things we try to do is to keep people from becoming homeless,” said Major Glick. “So we use case management tools, we help people with rent, utilities and necessities because when people come to us, they’re in crisis. So Giving Tuesday helps us address some of those and the needs are great.”
Their goal on Giving Tuesday is to bring in $100,000. In fact, Major Glick says 60% of their donations arrive during the holiday season including gifts for the organization’s Angel Tree program.
“I do this every year. It’s probably the most joyous thing I do for Christmas. I have no family here and I’ve done this for many, many years, I’m getting choked up,” said Sandra Frick, who’s adopting an angel as part of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
“I always make sure I get a little one. I have such joy in that. Everything on this card I can go buy,” said Frick.
For Eric Rodriguez and Lindsey Rich, adopting angels is a way to honor their daughters who passed away.
“Last year we didn’t know what we wanted to do to honor our daughter Giannella so we created a Facebook group called ‘Gifts from Giannella,’” said Rodriguez. “We found the Salvation Army and it’s an awesome program and we are very excited to help our healing by helping others.”
“We ended up blessing 11 people last year. We’re hoping to far exceed that expectation this year and make it even bigger than it was,” said Rich.
Proof that giving can become a gift that keeps on giving even in the darkest of times. Major Glick says despite struggles and inflation, he has faith that Giving Tuesday will still be a success this year.
“Everybody’s feeling the crunch, everybody’s feeling that pinch and you know, charities do too, but I have faith,” said Major Glick. “I have faith. I believe in the goodwill of people and I believe that people want to find a place where they can put their dollars, and they see that as an investment in changing lives.
News 6 will be with the Salvation Army at Cranes Roost Park from about 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Giving Tuesday.
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