Thanks to all who supported area charities on North Texas Giving Day, an online donation effort that was held Thursday.
We’ve always said that North Texans are generous people, and last week’s donation total proves our point once again.
Rather than hiding behind locked doors to escape fund drive campaigners or using that old “I gave at the office” excuse, those who supported this year’s giving campaign took the initiative and put their donations to work helping the community.
Christine Rogers, a spokeswoman for North Texas Giving Day, stated in an email Friday that Thursday’s total was $26.3 million, which exceeded last year’s record mark by more than $1 million.
Although donations for Denton County nonprofits didn’t meet the $1 million goal, area residents contributed $595,115 to the 83 participating groups.
That was slightly off the pace of last year’s campaign, when 67 Denton County nonprofits raised more than $646,000 on Giving Day.
In spite of the lower total this year, we remain confident that Denton County residents will step up to help and make sure our nonprofit organizations have the funding they need to do their jobs.
North Texas Giving Day is a much-publicized and effective giving tool, but it’s just one 18-hour period, and those who operate our nonprofit agencies struggle with numerous challenges throughout the year.
The folks who rely on these agencies for assistance also must deal with their situations year-round, and while one day’s donations may hit a high mark and be cause for celebration, continued support is necessary to keep food on the table and utility bills paid.
Launched in 2009 by Communities Foundation of Texas with support from the Center for Nonprofit Management, North Texas Giving Day is a great idea that simplifies the process of giving for supporters and helps nonprofits raise awareness about their needs and community programs.
One of the goals is to help nonprofits find new supporters. We hope that those who visited the event website to make a donation took the time to check out the participating agencies for future reference. Our Denton County nonprofits do an outstanding job, and they are worthy of your support.
Now that fall has arrived and the holidays are on the horizon, we urge area residents to keep the county’s nonprofit agencies on their minds and in their hearts.
You deserve a lot of credit for helping make North Texas Giving Day a success, but don’t forget that the job is far from over — these folks need your support throughout the year.
We hope that you will reach out to help whenever you can — and we are confident that you will.
Like we said, this area is home to many generous people.
