Emmaus is again seeking support for our #GivingTuesday campaign and hoping you can help us reach a new and ambitious goal of $50,000 raised on November 30. After nearly two years of a global pandemic, we hope that you don’t forget about the critical work we are doing to ensure people are fed, housed, and healthy not just during the holiday season, but year-round.
This will be the 8th year Emmaus has participated in this global day of giving. Last year on #GivingTuesday, we raised $46,545, bringing our seven-year total for gifts made on #GivingTuesday to just over $176,000!
“We have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season as vaccinations and widespread testing have made it easier for us to stay healthy and be together,” said Emmaus CEO Jeanine Murphy. “But Emmaus continues to deal with the challenges that COVID has presented as we remain deeply committed to protecting those in our care. We need your financial support now to fulfill our mission of love, hope, and compassion.”
When the pandemic hit, Emmaus was faced with unanticipated budgetary shortfalls due to: increased staffing as it decided to convert its overnight shelter into a 24/7 operation to keep people inside and safe; purchasing PPE, cleaning supplies and working with professional cleaning companies; and making modifications across all programs to keep staff and guests safe, such as installing handwashing stations and reconfiguring dining and sleeping arrangements.
As the pandemic drags on, Emmaus is still facing additional costs associated with enhanced cleaning and safety precautions. In addition, the number of people seeking shelter has escalated recently since the housing moratoriums have been lifted, alternative shelter options have closed, and public benefits have been scaled back.
Donations will be used to offset these costs so Emmaus can continue to help women, men and children battling homelessness rebuild their lives. Nearly 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly into programs that transform our clients’ lives. When you give to Emmaus, you know that your money will get to those in greatest need.
And for the seventh year in a row, your gift to Emmaus can make an even greater impact thanks to Haverhill Bank!
This year, Haverhill Bank will again match the first $2,500 donated to Emmaus on #GivingTuesday. Haverhill Bank has been partnering with Emmaus on #GivingTuesday since 2015. Once donations reach $25,000, Haverhill Bank will match the next $2,500 that Emmaus receives dollar-for-dollar.
“Personally and professionally, I strongly believe in being an active participant in the development of the well-being of the communities in which we live and work,” said Tom Mortimer, President and CEO of Haverhill Bank. “Haverhill Bank has proudly supported Emmaus as their Giving Tuesday partner for the past seven years and we look forward to many more years.”
#GivingTuesday is a web-based social media-driven campaign, so please give to Emmaus by clicking here and then share your support with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also give via check payable to Emmaus Inc. Please note “Giving Tuesday” in the memo line and date your check for November 30. Please mail checks to Emmaus, Inc., P.O. Box 568, Haverhill, MA 01831.
#GivingTuesday is also the official kickoff for Emmaus’ annual Tree of Love Campaign. Once again, Emmaus is sponsoring a community tree at the intersection of Winter, Emerson and How Streets next to our Family Shelter. The tree was generously provided by Nunan Florist and Greenhouses in Georgetown. The tree will be lit on November 30 and remain lit throughout the holiday season.
To learn more about our Tree of Love campaign, click here.