Today is the global day of giving, a movement that encourages community members around the world to give back in any way they can. Lubbock’s Mayor, Dan Pope has called it ‘Giving Tuesday’. The mayor kicked off the day by giving a proclamation at Carillon Senior Community.
“Lubbock is full of people I believe, who give, who give of their time, give of their money, other resources and so I think we want to recognize that,” Mayor Pope said. “First of all we want to applaud the people that are doing that, and we want to encourage other people to get on board.”
Last year, Carillon residents raised $3,000 to help fellow residents financially. Carillon has been part of the Lubbock community for over 40 years, with 300 staff members and thousands of people who have lived there over the years. Resident, Jim Powell has lived on the property for four years and said he can see the true impact that giving has on the community.
“It seems like Christmas is a time when we are more aware, of the importance of giving, I would like to think we could do it year long,” said Powell. “But the truth is, if we give some attention to it at a particular time, it reminds us how blessed we are to have so many resources.”
20 other Lubbock non profits and organizations got in on the day of giving. Over at the Civic Center, community members patiently waited to hear how much money was raised for the United Way Campaign, with the money helping to support human service organizations. Campaign chair, Amber Dean announced the community contributed more than $6 million dollars.