Give Back to Madison this #GivingTuesday with MECF

MADISON, NJ, November 27, 2020 -- With a swelling roster of residents affected by the pandemic as well as local merchants who are also struggling, the Madison Eagle Christmas Fund (MECF) urges residents to give back to Madison this year on “Giving Tuesday.” On December 1, 2020, the day known as #GivingTuesday, the MECF will join philanthropic organizations around the world to inspire people to take action to give back to their communities. The MECF, a proud Madison tradition that has assisted thousands of local families and seniors facing financial challenges for 45 years, aims to increase donations to $50,000 this year to accommodate a large increase in the number of families eligible for holiday assistance to purchase gift cards for use at local merchants. As an added incentive, an anonymous Madison donor will match the first $2,000 gifts on #GivingTuesday, giving donors a chance to increase the impact of their donations on December 1.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving on December 1 that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity. Following the widely recognized holiday shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which focus on “getting deals,” #GivingTuesday aims to change the focus to “giving back.”

The MECF is a community effort with civics and religious groups, merchants, volunteers and individual donors teaming up to help neighbors in need in Madison. Each year the fund assists families and senior citizens, providing holiday gifts such as coats, toys, books, grocery and gas gift cards for hundreds of residents.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to Madison’s most vulnerable residents, with job losses and food insecurity becoming more widespread. In addition, social distancing requirements will prevent the traditional collection and dissemination of toys, art supplies, gloves and other essentials. To respond to the growing need as well as the inability to safely distribute gifts, the MECF is requesting cash donations through traditional means as well as a new Go Fund Me® option. The cash will be used to expand the MECF gift card program, enabling families to purchase their own family’s gifts or enjoy experiences at area merchants.

“Gift cards provide a sense of dignity in allowing the families to choose their own gifts as well as supporting local businesses, who have provided discounts and support to the fund over the years,” adds Stacey Smollen, co-chair of the MECF, “With so many people hurting in our town right now this is a wonderful way to help. Keeping such a large percentage of the donation money in Madison has a ripple effect.”

Those who are interested in joining the MECF’s #GivingTuesday initiative on December 1 can access the new GoFundMe directly by clicking this link, through the MECF Facebook page, through the GoFundMe QR code on pamphlets at area merchants, or on posters during curbside pickup. Tax deductible donations also can be made through the insert provided in the October electric bill, by posting a check payable to the Madison Eagle Christmas Fund, PO Box 2, Madison, NJ 07940 or directly through the website at madison eagle christmas fund.org.

Bottle Hill Tavern on Waverly Place in Madison is offering another #Giving Tuesday incentive: the restaurant will donate ten percent of proceeds on December 1 to the MECF. Patrons can take out or dine out for lunch or dinner from 11:30 am - 8pm.

Other local organizations are finding their own ways of helping the MECF as a way of teaching the spirit of giving. The Madison Co-op Nursery School is supporting the MECF by collecting “change for change,” and Girl Scouts Troop 8161 is making cards to send with the gifts to seniors at Pine Acres and the Madison Housing Authority.

Katie Zurich, social media coordinator for the MECF, says, “The MECF began with Louise Easton buying gifts for local seniors to show her children that the spirit of the holidays was more than just receiving presents. This day, #GivingTuesday, reminds us of what the holidays should be about. It is a perfect time to teach children how small gifts of generosity can have a great impact on a whole community.”

The MECF typically raises about $30,000 annually, but organizers are setting a goal of $50,000 this year to cover the large increase in families. The group relies solely on donations and volunteers to cover operating expenses. To learn more about MECF and other donation opportunities in town, visit www.madisoneaglechristmasfund.org, like the group on Facebook or follow Instagram.