NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)- Give NOLA Day on Tuesday, May 5th is a one-day community-wide online day of giving. The goal is to raise $3 million for over 500 local non-profits. This year there are over 571 participating non-profits throughout the Greater New Orleans Foundation‘s 13-parish region working on a broad range of issues, including: arts & culture, animals, community involvement, education, environment, health, housing, human services, public safety, and youth development.
News with a Twist’s Kenny Lopez spotlights one of those non-profits hoping for your generosity—-Lighthouse Louisiana, which provides services and jobs for the visually impaired.
74-year old, Hector Gonzales is legally blind and for 53 years he’s worked for Lighthouse Louisiana. He believes many don’t have a clear vision as to how those who are blind really feel about working.
“A lot of people think that blind people sit around and collect welfare. That’s the furthest from the truth. We want to make a job. We want to have a job,” Gonzales said.
Lighthouse Louisiana has been very good to Gonzales. At Lighthouse they manufacture mess trays, paper towels, sponges, and paper plates for the U.S. military.
This year, Lighthouse is celebrating it’s 100th year. They’re hoping to raise much-needed funds on Give NOLA Day to support what they do.
“It’s a real exciting way for us to come together with our community and folks can say happy birthday to the Lighthouse by giving a gift on Give NOLA Day,” Erin McQuade Wright, Vice-President of Development & Communications at Lighthouse Louisiana, said.
Some in the community are already showing their support for Lighthouse by making music jingles and videos to support the cause.
Watch a few videos HERE:
(Students from Hammond/Friends of Lighthouse Louisiana)
For those who work at Lighthouse, they are happy to be working in such an educational and positive atmosphere.
“We’re here to work and this is proof of it,” Gonzales said.
To donate on Give NOLA Day and to see a complete list of non-profits, click HERE:
The minimum donation is $10. In 2014, Give NOLA Day raised $2.2 million from 19-thousand people. Last year, 100 cities around the country participated and New Orleans came in fourth for most dollars raised.
