Giving “2s”day Raises $3700

Funds raised will have local and national impact

Photo: #Giving2sday funds will enable The Arc to install a mobility lift in Jamie Stallings’ home, affording him more independence.

When setting out to participate in the sixth annual worldwide giving movement, Giving Tuesday, The Arc Southern Maryland set a goal to raise $3500 with a dual impact in mind, inspiring the campaign hashtag, “#Giving2sday.” Leading up to Giving Tuesday on November 28th, The Arc tweeted and shared the “#Giving2sday” and “JoinTheMovement” hashtags, inspiring donors to “Donate once. Give twice.” For a dual impact, The Arc committed to donating a portion of funds raised to benefit nationwide disaster relief efforts. The remaining funds would help The Arc in their mission to support people with different abilities – repairing a roof for one of its residences, repairing a van that provides transportation for people with limited mobility, and installing a mobility lift that would help one individual get out of bed on his own, affording him more independence.

Renee Seigley, Director of Development for The Arc Southern Maryland said “most donations for natural disasters are given during the first 2 weeks, with very little being given after the first month.” However, people are still suffering the effects of the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico while the devastating fires in California continue to steal the lives and homes of many. The Arc felt this campaign would be an opportunity to give back across the country.

Thanks to many of The Arc’s social media followers sharing, re-tweeting, and engaging with the “#Giving2sday” movement, The Arc was able to exceed their goal, raising $3700 by the end of the campaign. Some donors chose for their gifts to go twice the distance, designating a portion of their gift to relief efforts in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, or California. The Arc is currently organizing the funds to be donated to Red Cross, the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, the Miami Fund, and the Sonoma County Resilience Fund.