Eckerd Joins the National #GivingTuesday Movement to Encourage Spending With a Purpose in Dallas

DALLAS - Nov. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Eckerd has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. Taking place December 2, 2014 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

Eckerd’s Aftercare Services in Dallas serves both boys and girls ages 10 to 18 transitioning from residential commitment programs to their home communities. Destinie’s story is just one of many of youth who have been given a second chance.

“We encourage you to look into #givingtuesday and consider donating to Eckerd,” Diana McCarley Eckerd’s Director of Aftercare Services said. “You can impact future generations through your support of Eckerd by volunteering, donating or becoming an advisory council member. However you decide to give back, we appreciate your generosity.”

Destinie had a lengthy history of trauma, including being kidnapped by her mother.  While her mother was driving away with baby Destinie in her car seat, her father shot at car, resulting in his incarceration. Destinie subsequently was placed in the custody of her grandmother.

Destinie suffered from learning disabilities along with anger issues resulting from her traumas.  In working with Eckerd, Destinie's counselor stressed self-calming methods, which she was able to use effectively.  Destinie's grandmother was pleased with the girl’s newfound ability to deal with stressful situations in a more adult manner.

"She has come a long way,” said her grandmother, “and has learned a lot."

Additionally, Destinie’s counselor was able to assist her in changing her outlook on life. Destinie began believing in herself and her own abilities.  By the time Destinie graduated from Eckerd’s program, her self-esteem had improved dramatically. Destinie said most important thing was, in her own words, "to believe in myself, to believe that I can do anything I want to do."

Through donating at Eckerd.org during #GivingTuesday you can help Destinie and the many others achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

About Eckerd:

Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 150,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968.  Eckerd serves over 15,000 children and their families each year through life-changing child welfare, juvenile justice and behavioral health programs in eight states.  Eckerd’s mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance. To learn more visit www.eckerd.org. Follow us on Twitter at @eckerdyouth and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/eckerdyouth