By Ana Rodriguez Soto - Florida Catholic newspaper
MIAMI | While giving thanks for your blessings this week, don't forget those who may not be as fortunate — especially this pandemic-marked year.
That's the reason for Giving Tuesday, a worldwide campaign for charitable giving which takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. This year, it's set for Dec. 1, 2020. And for the fourth year running, the Archdiocese of Miami is urging local Catholics to #GiveCatholic for #GivingTuesday.
They can do that by going to the single platform set up by the archdiocesan Development Office, www.givecatholicgt.org. Through that site, South Florida Catholics can donate to their favorite church, school or organization.
Last year, the #GiveCatholic for #GivingTuesday campaign raised $96,446 to benefit 33 participating entities of the Archdiocese of Miami. This year, for the first time, every archdiocesan parish, school and entity will be participating.
"Each year, we have expanded our reach to help fund the many needs throughout our community," said Sabrina Paul-Noel, vice president of Planned Giving and Development Services for the archdiocese. "This year, I look forward to seeing how we will come together to fund the different projects and ministries that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide hope to those in need."
Many parishes, schools and archdiocesan entities that took part in Give Miami Day, Nov. 19, 2020, also are promoting #GivingTuesday. The difference: The money collected on the archdiocesan platform will go entirely to the entity selected by the donor, without any overhead or fee, said Paul-Noel.
Donors also can see each entity's fundraising goal and how that money will be used.
Donations must be made by credit card. The minimum amount is $10, with no long-term pledges allowed. And gifts can be made to various entities.
All donors have to do is choose a category — Parishes, Programs, Schools — and click on the entity's logo. Everything from Apostleship of the Sea to Youth and Young Adult Ministry is listed.
Again, the online platform created by the archdiocesan Office of Development for #GivingTuesday is: www.givecatholicgt.org. And donors don't have to wait until Tuesday. The platform is live right now and donations will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7. 2020.
