Giving Tuesday arrives as food banks in North Texas are still stretched thin, in need of monetary donations and volunteers. This year, the Tarrant Area Food Bank says demand has increased 50%.
"The pandemic, so suddenly and unexpectedly, struck us all," says Tarrant Area Food Bank President Julie Butner. "There are so many people today who had never used our services and did not need our services before the pandemic."
Butner says demand spike this spring, increasing 80% but has since leveled off around 50%. Mobile pantries will continue into December, scheduled at Dickie's Arena December 15 and Globe Life Field December 17. Fort Worth ISD says mobile pantries will continue at Herman Clark Stadium each Friday through January 2021.
The Tarrant Area Food Bank is taking donations, you can make one here.
"If you have money to spare, and you're interested in supporting our cause, we are fully funded by the community," Butner says. "Every dollar you send to us helps and counts."
Butner says the food bank needs monetary donations, but the Texas National Guard is no longer working at mobile pantries, so the food bank also needs volunteers.
North Texas Food Bank is receiving matching donations at their website.
Children's Health Foundation is receiving matching donations up to $50,000. Donations can be made at give.childrens.com.
"Last Friday and yesterday, with Cyber Monday, those days are all about shopping. Today is a chance to, instead, focus on the non-profit organizations who make a huge difference in our quality of life," says Brent Christopher, president of the Children's Medical Center Foundation.
Christopher says Children's Health treats 300,000 kids each year. He says donations can help the organization make kids more comfortable as they undergo treatment.
"It's uniquely tailored with special support for kids to make sure the experience is less intimidating and as supportive as it can possibly be to help them feel comfortable to get them back to health from illness or injury," Christopher says.
He says 130,000 kids in North Texas suffer from an emotional disturbance. He says many of those involve depression or anxiety.
"That was before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has only made those stresses worse. We know levels of anxiety and depression in kids are running higher than ever," Christopher says.
He says all donations received Tuesday will go to addressing mental health needs.
"Frankly, that is more important than ever," he says.
This year, the CARES Act has added incentives for donations to non-profits. Previously, charitable contributions could only be deducted by taxpayers who itemize their return. This year, a universal charitable deduction of $300 is permitted. Limits on charitable contributions were suspended, and limits were increased on donations of food inventory. More information is available here.