Giving Tuesday: Local charities say they need donations now more than ever
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Giving Tuesday has become the largest single day for habitable giving, raising nearly $4 billion worldwide last year for thousands of charities like GiGi's Playhouse.
Math tutoring is one of the many services GiGi's Playhouse offers to those with Down Syndrome. The charity has been around for 23 years, since its namesake, GiGi Gianni, was born with Down Syndrome.
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"We give them programs to read, which is good," said GiGi Gianni.
GiGi's now serves some 35,000 clients in locations around the world, and they charge those families nothing for those services. Isaiah Marrero and his family come from East Dundee.
"All the programs are all run 100% through donations, which really helps families like ours," said Nidia Marrero.
Because they are dependent on donations, Giving Tuesday is a huge day for charities like GiGi's, especially this year.
"This was a year we had 17% growth in families served and everything we're doing. But we have a deficit in our fundraising. It's more important this year than ever before," said Chief Belief Officer Nancy Gianni.
Financial pressures this year, thanks to inflation, are an issue for charities around the country.
BMO volunteers coordinated by United Way were packing food kits on Tuesday morning. They say the need for help in the form charitable donations on this Giving Tuesday is more important than ever.
"Just over the last couple months, we've seen people struggling in a way that I haven't seen before," said Kimberlee Guenther with United Way.
And experts say all the charitable giving also draws phony charities.
"The Better Business Bureau recommends you deal with a charity you know and trust and have done some background check on," said Steve Bernas with the Better Business Bureau.
Adding to the impact of Giving Tuesday, many charities have donors who are matching gifts, doubling the impact. A donor for GiGi's will match up to $30,000.
