There once was but a single day in the wake of Thanksgiving feasts, arguably providing rationale to pour pent-up fuel on masses eager to begin their shopping for Christmas gifts. [1]
Before days succumbed to weeks, then all of November to a period that threatens to reduce Halloween to little more than sweet afterthought in consumers’ minds (pun intended), “Black Friday” was fabeled as that day on the calendar when booked sales reached a tipping point for retailers for the year. [2]
At that point, their nearly eleven months of effort finally became profitable.
On the surface it would seem that #GivingTuesday could be regarded in the same light — for individuals and families faced with personal hardships in making ends meet. More or less. The sort best served by our own Saline Area Social Service (SASS) on West Michigan Avenue here in the city. [3]
The work they do year-round is so important, so effective, that it hardly seems necessary to mention here. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be right to leave such things unsaid in the case of anyone newly-challenged and otherwise unaware of this help that is available to them right here in their own community, right now.
One “out of every 22 people in Saline lives in poverty,” noted SASS Executive Director Anne Cummings for =Saline Journal readers earlier this year. And in any given week of the year, sixty-five to eighty families come to Saline Area Social Service for help. [4]
Thanksgiving and on into the holiday season, then winter in earnest, brings the challenges of these people into greater focus. Giving Tuesday puts a fine point on it.
But what if you could help make this Giving Tuesday more than just a day and a cause?
The Charles Reinhart Foundation has committed to doing just that. [5]
Last year, local agent Elke Van Dyke stepped up through her position with our local Reinhart Realtors office here in The Oaks Plaza to serve as donations coordinator on behalf of the affiliated foundation. Her efforts placed Saline Area Social Service in a position to receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to a fixed amount received on Giving Tuesday 2018. [6-8]
Now, in 2019 — Ms Van Dyke has arranged to remove the cap on the amount that Charles Reinhart Foundation will match for donations made to Saline Area Social Service on December 3. Imagine: Every dollar you give becomes two. Sky’s the limit. Ms Van Dyke and other staff members will be on hand at their office, 1020 East Michigan Avenue, to receive monies between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm. Cash or check. From businesses and individuals alike.
Saline Area Social Service has set a goal of raising $30,000 this year. But there’s no reason that the generous members of this area shouldn’t follow their hearts above and beyond, to the extent they feel moved.
“Every service we offer, such as supplying food and other household products, assistance with prescription co-pays for our senior citizens, providing support with utility bills payments to avoid shut-off situations and ensuring that children have school supplies, shoes, and clothing,” said Ms Cummings in promoting this event, “are all entirely funded by the Saline community.
That’s what makes SASS special — we are a small organization, in a small town but we are able to create a huge impact with the help and support of our caring community.
I feel very blessed that the Saline community continues to support SASS by generously providing pantry donations and items for our programs, such as Back-to-School supplies and gifts for our Adopt-A-Family holiday program. [9]
However, there is also always a need for monetary support to ensure that we are able to keep our doors open for our day-to-day services, as well as being prepared for emergency situations that may arise.
Surely that makes the case for leveraging this Giving Tuesday as as your opportunity to put even more coffers in the black.
References
- “What’s the Real History of Black Friday?” Sarah Pruitt (November 20, 2018) History.
- “What Does ‘Black Friday’ Even Mean Anymore?” Vanessa Friedman (November 27, 2019) The New York Times.
- Saline Area Social Service (home page).
- “Anne Cummings on the variety of every day decisions that those less fortunate in our community must face every day” Ann Cummings (May 28, 2019) Saline Journal.
- Reinhart Charitable Foundation (Facebook Page).
- “Elke VanDyke” Reinhart.
- “Saline” Reinhart Realtors.
- “Reminder: Here’s How To Double The Impact Of Your Donation To Saline Area Social Service On November 27, ‘Giving Tuesday’” Dell Deaton (November 26, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Nancy Millichap on local resources available to help pay for students’ back-to-school supplies and extracurricular activities” Nancy Millichap (September 10, 2019) Saline Journal.
