Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. ASK joined #GivingTuesday in an effort to raise funds and continue local programming that promotes awareness and prevention of substance use/abuse and other destructive behaviors damaging to our youth.
Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
“As of October 1, 2016, ASK will no longer be receiving a STOP ACT Grant ($48,000 per year) from the federal government, as the three-year term has concluded. This grant was designated to support underage drinking prevention, compliance checks, responsible vendor training and driving checkpoints in Yorktown”, said Erica Stanzione, Director of Communications and Partnerships at ASK. “In an effort to make up the loss of funding, we ask that all community members participate in #GivingTuesday, even in a small way, to help us combat underage drinking in Yorktown.”
Liz Talbert, Coalition Coordinator at ASK added, “In Yorktown and Lakeland, the percentage of 10th graders reporting 30-day use of alcohol decreased from 41.3% in 2011 to 30.7% in 2015. It is crucial that we continue providing awareness and education to continue this downward trend. Every penny helps!”
Last year, ASK raised $4,600 on #GivingTuesday and in 2016, we are looking to double that and raise $10,000 – and every gift made will be matched – dollar-for-dollar – which can potentially help us raise $20,000! Help us in our efforts by making a contribution during this day of giving!
Those who are interested in joining ASK’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.allianceforsafekids.org/givingtuesday.