'Tis the season of giving, but today -- as the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving -- is the official day of giving.
Giving Tuesday is recognized nationwide annually to encourage people to give back to their communities, but this year the COVID-19 pandemic has put communities in dire need, increasing the need for more donors to take action.
"I think it's important to support our local community," United Way of the Ouachitas Executive Director Sarah Fowler said. "It takes a village for all of us to live together, to work together, to play together, and when we all reach out a hand to one, we improve the condition to all."
As one of the many outlets participating in Giving Tuesday, United Way is encouraging donations on its website, http://www.unitedwayouachitas.org, to help benefit those who utilize its services.
"The need has increased obviously with those who have been laid off," Fowler said. "Our phone rings daily, most of the day actually, with people in need of additional services, and we're seeing those who have not had to ask for assistance who are now having to ask for assistance. So we know our community's been hit hard, and we've been doing everything we can to try to meet the needs."
According to United Way's website, there are five ways to give today:
• Sign a petition or speak up for a cause or issue.
• Volunteer or donate personal skills to help United Way of the Ouachitas thrive.
• Give money by donating to a nonprofit or run a fundraiser.
• Give goods by organizing a supply drive or donating clothes that are no longer needed.
• Inspire others by sharing the experience of giving on social media with #GIVINGTUESDAY, #SpaCityGives #OuachitaRegionGives or #StartTodayUnited.
Fowler said whether things are donated to the United Way or another organization, any kind of donation is appreciated throughout the community, "especially in this season of giving."
"We want the community to know that we're here, and we're doing the best that we can to try to meet those needs," she said. "So sometimes we think, 'Oh, I can only give a little bit, my contribution may not really matter,' but it matters significantly. And when we all give a little bit, and we add all of those up, the impact can be quite significant."