11/16/2016

Mayor Morrison proclaims November 29 “Giving Tuesday”

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.

Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison at the November 15 council meeting proclaimed November 29, 2016, “Giving Tuesday” in the Borough of Tamaqua. Giving Tuesday is a global movement to recognize and encourage citizens to work together, rally for causes, volunteer time, or make financial contributions on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and at other times throughout the year.

“The proclamation is a great way to encourage everyone to give back to the community in whatever way is personally meaningful,” Mayor Morrison said.

Two local organizations, Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet and the Tamaqua Salvation Army, were on hand to explain how residents can help others over the holiday. Their collaborative Giving Tree Program, for example, hopes to collect new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots for residents who can’t afford winter clothing and warm shoes.

In addition to this “Giving Tree Program,” the Salvation Army is soliciting “angels” to purchase new clothing and holiday gifts for a young boy or girl in need, or to generously support its most recognized program, the traditional Red Kettle Drive, which begins on Saturday. Other ways to give include time, dollars, or donations to support the annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner, or the organization’s year-round work to provide essentials to anyone in need. For more information on these or other programs at the Salvation Army, call 570-668-0410.

Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet helps raise awareness, provide education programs, and to affect policy change to stop the opioid epidemic and protect the next generation. The all-volunteer group hosts large-scale public outreach events, participates in community festivals and fairs, shares information and offers support services, provides public speakers, and organizes community clean-ups. Donations help expand these services and questions can be directed to saferstreetstamaqua@gmail.com or the organization’s FaceBook page.

A mix of other non-profits with a variety of missions rely heavily upon community support, too, and include the Tamaqua Public Library, the Tamaqua Historical Society, the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, the Tamaqua YMCA, and the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue, among others. A list with contact information can be found at www.tamaquaborough.com.

“No matter what cause you feel strongly about, there is likely an organization in Tamaqua,” Morrison says.  “Everyone has something to give.”

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To help spread the goodwill, residents are encouraged to use #GivingTuesday to promote his or her own unique way of giving back. For more information about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit www.givingtuesday.org, or www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday.