United Way Giving Week begins Tuesday, inspires holiday generosity challenge

HANNIBAL, Mo. — About a year ago, when a gentleman and his elderly mother came to the door of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, director Denise Damron received a humbling reminder of what the holiday season is about.

“The man handed me an envelope and said that, in lieu of buying Christmas gifts for all the kids and grandkids — gifts they didn’t really need — she had instead opted to make a donation to the United Way,” Damron recalled. “She wanted to showcase to her family that there is more to the season than receiving and to highlight the joy that can be found in giving.”

After thanking her for the gift, Damron later opened the envelope and instantly became teary-eyed.

“I was shocked when I opened the envelope and found a gift of $5,000,” she said. “What a generous contribution this was to the United Way and to the local organizations the United Way serves.”

Damron remembered this gift in light of the United Way’s upcoming Giving Week, a global initiative to inspire giving and generosity each day. Giving Week will launch with Charcuterie for Charity: A Giving Tuesday Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at The Rialto.

At the event, guests can visit tables, learn about the United Way’s community impact organizations and find out how they can help — all while snacking on a variety of charcuterie boards.

Inspired by the generosity of last year’s $5,000 donation, Damron encourages local families to use Giving Tuesday or Giving Week as an opportunity to reflect on their own holiday giving traditions.

“Giving Week could be a great opportunity for you to sit down and talk to your kids, grandkids and others about local organizations and the great work they do,” she said. “Instead of getting them something they don’t need for Christmas, ask them to choose an organization that does great things right here in our community and give a gift to them.”

Families could then watch their generosity multiply, as donations made to organizations at the event and throughout the week will be matched by the United Way and Riedel Foundation, which have both pledged a $5,000 matching grant.

The following organizations, supported by the United Way, will be highlighted at the event and eligible to receive matching funds:

• AVENUES Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Services
• Birthday Blessings
• CHART Teen Task Force
• Coyote Hill Douglass Community Services
• Families and Communities Together
• Hannibal Free Clinic
• Hannibal Parents as Teachers
• Harvest Outreach Ministries
• Hannibal Alliance for Youth Success
• Learning Opportunities/Quality Works, Inc.
• NECAC (North East Community Action Corporation)
• The Salvation Army – Hannibal
• The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri
• YMCA of Hannibal

Additional organizations that provide services outside of Hannibal and are supported by the United Way are Heartland Resources, Inc., and Monroe City Food Pantry.