Presbyterians began their 12-hour #GivingTuesday telethon as they’re wont to do during the pandemic — with a 30-minute online worship service that included prayer, hymn-singing and Scripture.
When I joined the foundation related to a small military school in Virginia, my boss, a retired U.S. Army colonel, made it clear. “If anyone wants to designate a gift, you say, ‘yes sir/ma’am and thank you.’’’ Not having been in the military myself, I thought this was a grand time to make a joke. “Well what if it’s for something silly, like basket weaving?” His look made it very clear, “Yes sir/ma’am and thank you” was the correct response.
When the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, most Americans did not yet have year-end charitable giving on their mind.
Now is the time that they should.
The power to make a significant and lasting impact on people and communities around the world can be found on every page of the Presbyterian Giving Catalog.
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) has approved grants totaling $402,900 to communities in the United States and internationally to date in 2020. The money is from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. The national SDOP Committee enables members and non-members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to form partnerships with oppressed and disadvantaged people in order to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
In a typical month, the Presbyterian Foundation’s online services team receives 12-15 online giving applications.
But there’s been absolutely nothing typical about 2020.
