Local causes see uptick in ‘Gives’ campaign

Published 7:48 pm Friday, February 3, 2012

Alabama Gives Day, which ended at midnight Thursday, raised nearly $744,000 for nonprofit agencies around the state and a fraction of that settled in Marengo County.

The Demopolis City Schools Foundation saw eight donations come in Thursday, three of which were new.

The DCSF received $445 in cash donations, plus a $500 pledge.

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“That’s probably about what we would receive in a week,” said DCSF Director Amanda Barnes. “It was about the equivalent to a small (fundraiser), which is good for a 24-hour period. I’m happy with the money aspect of it but what I’m most excited about is the three new donors.”

Marengo County’s Habitat for Humanity didn’t fare quite as well, bringing in $130 from three regular donors.

“Our largest response generally comes after fundraisers,” Aliquippa Allen, an officer with Habitat said. “Typically, our fundraisers bring in about $1,000.”

The newest Habitat home is inching closer to completion and Allen said she was hopeful that Thursday’s day of giving would spark generosity year round, even in small doses.

“A little from everybody equals a lot for Habitat,” she said.

By far the biggest winner in Thursday’s donation blitz was Harriet’s House, who closed the day with 16 donors, 13 of which were first time donors. In all, they raised $1,030.

While the day-long event served its purpose – providing a cash infusion to local needs – Barnes said she hoped the impact would last much longer.

“I hope what it did was to remind everybody that these non-profits are out there and need their support,” she said.