AUSTIN, Texas — Following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday. It’s recognized in the U.S. as a global day of giving taking place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. 

I Live Here I Give Here officially joined the global Giving Tuesday movement in 2017 as the Central Texas Giving Tuesday community leader.

In 2021, ILHIGH is aiming to reach a goal of $100 million in cumulative funding. There are more than 700 local nonprofits in seven Central Texas counties accepting donations. 

According to the organization, in 2020 it inspired local families, individuals, nonprofits and businesses to take over 8.4 million Actions for Good and give over $4.26 million collectively

Across the United States, $2.47 billion was donated on Giving Tuesday, according to GivingTuesday.org

Dress for Success Austin is one of the 33.1 million participants across the U.S. accepting donations on Giving Tuesday. 

“I think with our Giving Tuesday campaign we're saying it best,” Mia Johns, executive director for Dress for Success Austin, said. “We're giving women confidence. The one thing that they do have in common is that maybe they've hit a bump in the road, or they need just a little bit of extra help.” 

The nonprofit helps women find professional opportunities, whether it’s helping them find the right outfit, giving a makeup tutorial or teaching them how to interview.

“It is important to keep educating the community that we are more than clothing,” Johns said. “That's just one-sixth of our service offerings. We also have a veterans program. We teach financial education. Then for women who get jobs, we help them retain those jobs and continue networking with their peers and other professionals in the community.”

“There are some people out there that are willing to help you to become a better person and to build your confidence,” Shilda Fresch, who went through Dress for Success Austin’s program, said. 

While working as a teaching assistant Shilda says she called Dress For Success Austin to gain confidence in the professional world. 

“I know from this point on that I can do anything,” Shilda said. 

Shilda’s story isn’t uncommon. 

During the pandemic Mia has seen an increase in women come through the door. 

“It seems to increase every day,” Johns said.

This Giving Tuesday, ILHIGH is hosting its Acts of Generosity Social Media Challenge by having people use the hashtags #ILiveHereIGiveHere and #GivingTuesday.

To find a nonprofit in your area, go to GivingTuesday.Org