KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Giving Tuesday 2020 is important because of increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit and food bank organizers told 41 Action News.
"Definitely there have been a tremendous increase in need," said Sarah Biles, director of communications for Harvesters-The Community Food Network.
There is more pressure on this year's day of giving than years past because of the coronavirus.
"Now, we are going on, what? Eight or nine months of this incredible increase of need, up to on average about 40 percent for our service area for the 26 counties we serve," Biles said.
Harvesters feeds the hungry across the Kansas City area.
"About 387,000 people are at risk for hunger in our community, which is an incredible number. That's about 85,000 more than than we had before the pandemic," Biles said.
Biles said more new people in need come to them every day, some of whom have never before needed food assistance.
Nonprofits like the local ALS Association are adjusting to this new normal, hoping people open their hearts to giving.
"Now the pandemic is a real threat. So, they are further isolated and away from their loved ones that provide that support and these support groups. These services are so important," said Colleen Wachter, executive director for the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter.
The association helps patients such as Tony Vick.
"The money is definitely much appreciated and is very well allocated to the needs for ALS," said Vick, an ALS survivor.
Biles said Giving Tuesday gives members of the community an opportunity to help others in a year when everyone has been faced with uncertainty.
"This Giving Tuesday is more important than ever. It's definitely a day that people can easily engage with the fight against hunger," Biles said.
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