giving-tuesday2015(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana, along with several area businesses, has collected food donations to give to area agencies that are in need as part of the global day of giving, #GivingTuesday. Several hundred items including canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta, and boxed food were donated.

The food drive included four area businesses from both Shreveport and Bossier City to help those in need this holiday season. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana and Christian Services, along with others, will benefit from this food drive.

“Giving Tuesday is about more than giving money to charity. It’s about giving your time by volunteering or donating items and resources that others need,” said Chief Operations Officer for United Way of Northwest Louisiana Lynn Stevens. “We are proud to bring this global day of giving to Northwest Louisiana, and hope it inspires others to give back during the holidays, and beyond.”

The announcement was made at Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel on #GivingTuesday (Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015) at 2:30pm. Area businesses who participated include Target of Shreveport, Target of Bossier City, Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel, and the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. #GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.com, or to learn more about United Way of Northwest Louisiana, visit www.unitedwaynwla.org.