The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix has long been there, responding to meet the needs of victims and survivors and people impacted by violence. And they are asking people to help them out on Tuesday.
“We are asking the community to help victims of violence through these dangerous times. Imagine someone you cared about being forced to shelter in place with an abuser and not knowing where to get help,” Women’s Coalition Executive Director Clema Lewis said in a release from the group.
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on Tuesday, May 5, in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec. 1, #GivingTuesday, as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation and support for communities and nonprofits around the world, according to the news release from the coalition.
“Our goal is to let victims and survivors know that help is still here for them. Our counseling services are being provided by telephone and video conference. The 24-hour hotline is still a connection to a staff member, and is answered by a person, not a recording, every time it rings,” said Carolyn Forno, the Women’s Coalition’s assistant director. “But we continue to need the support of the community to keep these crucial services available, whenever they are needed.”
People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during event, whether it’s by helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. The global movement will emphasize opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practicing physical distancing.
“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit organization GivingTuesday.
Those interested in joining the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s #GivingTuesdayNow efforts can visit wcstx.networkforgood.com to donate securely.
“Supporting services for victims, survivors and families in need now sends a message that they are not alone during these difficult times,” Lewis said.
Details about the GivingTuesday movement are online at the GivingTuesday website, the event’s Facebook page or on Twitter by following @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesdayNow. There is also a site for young people who want to join the movement can visit for inspiration and project ideas.
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012, as a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
