What is #iGiveCatholic and #GivingTuesday?

We have a day for giving thanks, Thanksgiving. We have three for purchasing gifts for loved ones - Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Lastly, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Individuals and organizations around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.  This is always on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

We know that, for Catholics, generosity and giving have a profound meaning. As children of God, giving is the ultimate expression of mercy as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless and preserve our Catholic heritage for future generations. Compelled to action by our shared faith, Catholics are energized to give back knowing that little is much when God is in it.

#iGiveCatholic is an online platform with searchable profiles of participating parishes, schools, ministries, and not-for-profit organizations affiliated with participating arch/dioceses. All donations will be processed through the website iGiveCatholic.org. Anyone can donate to his or her favorite ministry for a 24 hour period (midnight until 11:59 pm).
The minimum donation is $25 and there is no maximum.

Why is St. Mary's participating in #iGiveCatholic in 2022?
St. Mary's has two playground sets on the playground, a large and a small set.  The smaller set is great for the littlest Mustangs that are unable to play with many of the features on the large playground.  St. Mary's has had this small playground set since the 1980's. Unfortunately, the smaller playground set has started to deteriorate and is in need of several repairs.  Over the summer, the repairs were bid, and upon consultation it was determined that it would cost more to repair than it would to replace. 

New bids were taken for a playscape that could safely accommodate children beginning at 2 years of age.   The below pictured playscapes were recommended.  St. Mary's will be raising funds to cover the cost to replace the existing small playground with a new playground set for the children.  The overall project will be $44,072.42.  Our hope is to raise at least half the funds during this year's #iGiveCatholic campaign.  We would appreciate any and all help. 

How has #iGiveCatholic helped St. Mary's in the past?

St. Mary's had the opportunity to participate in #iGiveCatholic for the first time in 2016.  The support given has been indescribable.  #iGiveCatholic has helped St. Mary's raise enough money to fund two major projects. 

In 2016, 2017, and 2018 we focused our fundraising on much needed restroom renovations in our elementary building.  #iGiveCatholic gave us the opportunity to raise funds for this much needed major renovation.  We raised over $100,000 in three years of participation. 

In 2019 and 2020 we focused our fundraising on another need in our elementary building, an air conditioning and solar screen project.  We were able to finish this project with these funds, and our classrooms and hallways in the elementary building are now quieter and cooler than ever before. 

In 2021 we wanted to do something different and add a fun new aspect to our playground.  Our supporters made it possible and we raised enough to add a new GaGa Ball pit.  It has already brought so much joy to our students. 

We are extremely thankful for the support of those who love our great school and for the #iGiveCatholic platform that allows us to work towards large projects such as these.  

If you are giving on #GivingTuesday, you may use the 'donate now' button above, or visit iGiveCatholic.org, click on the 'Give Back' button, then Diocese of Austin, and search for St. Mary's Catholic School (West).  Spelling does matter, and we have found that searching just for 'Mary' and scrolling to find our school is sometimes easier.  Thank you for your support!