MOLINE, Ill. — Giving Tuesday is a tradition that began in 2012 as an idea for people to spread generosity around their communities. This year, thousands of people will be giving money and time or finding any way to pay it forward to help someone in need.
“Giving Tuesday really focuses on funding, asking our community to come together and fund nonprofits across the community,” President and CEO of River Bend Food Bank Nancy Renkes said. “To have this national focus on getting our community and our community members to think about what's a nonprofit in our community that you feel that you could really make a difference with your financial donation”
Renkes added that the River Bend Food Bank continues to help people throughout the year to "have food on the table".
"I'm proud every day to go home and know that I've worked alongside some really good people, to make sure that we don't have hungry people in our community," Renkes said.
Birdies for Charity recently announced that the organization raised $13.9 million which will go to local organizations and communities. Micaela Booth, the director of the program, said it's a great feeling to be able to give back.
"It's very rewarding. It brings me a lot of joy. I think it could do that for other people as well. It lets you get to know your community a lot better, and the people that live in it, and maybe understand your neighbors a little bit better and the people who live in your community."
River Bend Food Bank is always looking for donations and volunteers, while Birdies for Charity are taking donations for their upcoming season.
More From News 8
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel