It’s the perfect time of year to spread some holiday cheer. But after four days of clipping coupons, surfing online for deals, and waking up in the wee hours of the morning to hit the stores, making other people happy is the last thing many of us have on our minds. Fortunately, we made it easy for our members to give back and make a difference this year.
For every debit and credit card transaction that took place from Friday, November 24 thru Monday, November 27, we donated one penny. It’s apparent that our members love to shop because our donation amount totaled $8,164.83! Since our members made this donation possible, we wanted their help deciding where we should donate the money.
Working Together
Team Lake Trust submitted nominations for individuals and organizations in Michigan who they felt would benefit from our donation. We asked our team to think of people who give back to their community by providing basic needs: food, water, shelter, clothing, education, or healthcare. We narrowed down the submissions to six organizations across Michigan.
On Tuesday, November 28, our members and the community voted to have our donation go to either IHN Alpha House in Ann Arbor, Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids, Rudy’s Sock Drive and No Bully Zone in Greater Detroit, EightCAP in Mt. Pleasant, The House of Promise in Lansing, or Bountiful Harvest in Livingston County.
Choosing Our Winner
After a day of voting, The House of Promise won the popular vote! This Lansing non-profit opened in 2013 and provides survivors of sex abuse and sex trafficking with a place to heal and rebuild their lives.
Shari M., the founder of The House of Promise, shared her vision for her organization with us. The actual home for The House of Promise is opening in February 2018 and will have room to house 12 women. She hopes to help women overcome the obstacles of past trauma, gain confidence, and lead successful lives.
Shari explains the need for a place in the community to help victims of sexual abuse: “These women are trying to survive in the world but they can’t because no one is helping them.”
In addition to her work at The House of Promise, Shari also works proactively by speaking at schools and community groups to educate the community on the dangers of sex trafficking.
She has big dreams to expand and grow the size and services of The House of Promise. Down the road, she hopes to have a campus large enough to house and provide a safe haven to 100 women.
“I’ve never felt so alive in my life. It’s so rewarding,” Shari says of her work.
A Special Day
Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving that occurs on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year. After four days of spending money on goods and services, it’s important to remember the needs of others less fortunate. On this day, people are encouraged to support their favorite non-profits and give back to the causes they’re passionate about.
We’d like to extend a big thank you to our members for helping our donation grow. And thank you so much to everyone who voted and participated in Giving Tuesday. Together we really can make a difference.
SEE ALSO: 8 Easy Ways to Do Good Over the Holidays | Spreading the Love on Giving Tuesday