Aiken Prepares for Generosity on Giving Tuesday with Community Support Initiatives

Aiken Rallies for Giving Tuesday: A Heartfelt Call for Community Support

With a chill in the air and the sun shining brightly, the city of Aiken is ready to embrace the spirit of generosity on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This day, celebrated across the nation, encourages everyone to dig deep and give back to their communities, and Aiken’s local charities are eagerly waving their banners, inviting folks to lend a helping hand.

A Special Call to Action

“It’s an annual event for us. For at least 10 years, we’ve been promoting Giving Tuesday, which is a great way to give back to the community at the end of the year,” shared Ellen Luton, president of United Way of Aiken County. She emphasized the growing need in the area, particularly after the recent impact of Hurricane Helene. “We’ve seen a lot more need following that event. If anybody is able to give, we would welcome their contribution,” she added.

The United Way plays a pivotal role in Aiken, supporting a whopping 30 local nonprofit agencies. Luton mentioned that their annual fundraising campaign, typically running from late August through October, saw an outpouring of support, thanks to local businesses, corporations, and caring individuals. “Giving Tuesday is like a bonus at the end of the annual campaign,” she said, encouraging everyone to consider donating what they can after the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

USC Aiken Jumps on the Giving Train

At USC Aiken, the excitement is palpable as they introduce a unique way to track donations for their annual fund through a speedometer styled after a car’s dashboard. Every gift increases the speedometer by one MPH, which creatively stands for Many Pacers Helping. Carlos Baxley, Leadership Giving Officer, shared that last year’s donations raised an impressive $33,000 from 105 donors. And this year, there’s even more incentive! The first $5,000 in donations will be matched by an anonymous benefactor, making it an excellent time to contribute.

“We need support not only from our Pacer family at USCA but from the larger Aiken community as well,” Baxley noted, encouraging everyone to visit the university’s website to make their contributions.

STEMing Up Support at St. Mary Help of Christians School

St. Mary Help of Christians School is also on board this Giving Tuesday, rallying support for their new STEM Center. As technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, the school is keen on equipping its students with the necessary resources to prepare for the careers of tomorrow. They’ve set an ambitious goal, with the first $25,000 in donations matched by an anonymous donor.

A school representative emphasized, “With your support, our students will have access to state-of-the-art tools and emerging technologies. This will enable them to develop essential skills in a world where the ability to think critically and creatively will develop the Christian leaders of tomorrow.”

Other Charities Ready to Make a Difference

In addition to the notable organizations mentioned, several other local groups are gearing up to make an impact this Giving Tuesday. Aiken residents are encouraged to consider supporting:

• The Aiken Standard Community Christmas Card
• Friends of the Animal Shelter
• The Cumbee Center
• Golden Harvest Food Bank
• SPCA Albrecht Center
• Friends of the Aiken County Library
• Friends of the Nancy Carson Library
• The Salvation Army

As the sun sets on Aiken, let’s come together to spread warmth and generosity this Giving Tuesday. Every bit helps, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community!