NASHUA – In the aftermath of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday encourages generosity around the globe, as it is recognized as the world’s largest giving movement.

On Tuesday, those representing nonprofit agencies in the community looked forward to raising funds to support their work and promote their causes, with a total of 17 participating organizations in the city this year.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission Executive Director Lloyd Curtis said. “Anything we can to do get greater awareness of how other agencies are helping their communities and neighbors is always a positive thing.”

Giving Tuesday began in 2012 and has grown into a global movement during that time, inspiring millions to collaborate and celebrate generosity. According to the organization’s website, officials raised more than $400 million online during 2018. Additionally, since its inception, the movement has raised more than $1 billion online in the U.S. alone.

United Way of Greater Nashua President Mike Apfelberg also admires the concept, and encourages people to think of Giving Tuesday as the official kickoff day of the philanthropic season – similarly to how Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season – rather than it being just one day of giving.

“This is the time of year when there is a lot of consumerism and it’s just a nice reminder that there are people less fortunate who could use a hand, and those people that are less fortunate are usually helped by the nonprofits in the world,” Apfelberg said.

Moreover, city agencies will all use the funds they collected on Tuesday differently, with the Rescue Mission planning to allocate money toward sponsored programs, or toward purchasing any needed food items. Some of it may even be used to keep the facility going with heat and normal utilities.

Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Scott Slattery said his agency will be using the funds raised Tuesday to provide home ownership opportunities for veterans.

Gateways Community Services was also a participant again this year. In 2018, officials were able to raise $1,200, which was then put toward their Adult Day Service Program to help renovate the program, which is housed in Alvirne High School.

Director of Development and Communications Deb Tighe said something officials have come to learn about Giving Tuesday is to be specific about why they are raising funds. She said people tend to gravitate toward that a little more. That’s why this year, their funds will be going toward a treadmill for their autism center, which Tighe said they desperately need.

“There’s all these studies out there that kind of prove that kids who suffer from autism benefit from exercise,” Tighe said. “It improves their social skills; it improves their cognitive skills; and so, we’re trying to incorporate an exercise area into our program for the kids.”

Gateways set a $1,000 funding goal in hopes of buying a treadmill.

Facebook is also matching up to $7 million in eligible donations made through platform during Giving Tuesday this year.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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