ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This Giving Tuesday, several Delta County organizations came together to kick off the Christmas season and help others in need.
Bay College and the Escanaba City Band teamed up for their third annual Night of Giving.
“We’ve asked that people who join us just offer a donation to the Salvation Army, a local food pantry, Toys for Tots, warm coats,” said Amy Gibbs, Dean of Student Success at Bay College. “Lots of different ways that people can extend their generosity during the holiday season.”
Guests dropped off their donations as they made their way to the Besse Theater for the City Band’s free holiday concert.
“When we play all summer long, we play a lot of different things but we never get to play Christmas music,” said tubist Jane Lynch. “Getting the band together to play some tried and true Christmas music, and also some new ones, it’s really just a change of pace and it’s a lot of fun.”
Lynch says it was also a perfect way to thank audiences as the band nears the end of its centennial season.
“We are a big part of the Escanaba and Delta County community,” she said. “We just want to be part of giving back to the community because the community is what supports us and what allows us to keep going for 100 years.”
For organizations like the Bay College Food Pantry, the Night of Giving comes at a time when the need is especially great.
“Our pantry is quite busy, especially right now with food costs increasing,” Gibbs said. “Our student incomes aren’t increasing, so it’s hard to keep up with that. We like to think that the money they could save by coming into the pantry they can spend on other essential needs that they have and focus on their goals.”
Whether it’s cash, a bag of clothes, food, or anything else, Gibbs says even the smallest donation can have a big impact this holiday season.
“Generosity is not just about the person who receives; it’s also a benefit to the person who gives,” she said. “Also, a little goes a long way, so anything that people have the ability to give to help others can really help them in more ways than they could ever understand.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Bay College Food Pantry can contact Gibbs at (906) 217-4014 or visit the campus to learn more.
