Since the election results on Tuesday, November 8, Americans upset about election results are supporting nonprofit organizations — such as those that support freedom of the press, reproductive rights, and civil rights — in unprecedented numbers.

In our Dana Hall Community, Ms. Angela Macedo, Director of Community Service Programs, says, “This year we raised significantly more money to purchase turkeys for the food pantry at Union United Methodist Church.” Approximately $800 worth of turkey tickets were purchased. Ms. Macedo adds that she cannot be certain if there is a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between election results and increased funds raised, but says, “Students, in general, seem far more aware of events outside of the Dana bubble since the election.”

Ms. Maggie Davidov, Upper School Librarian, will be giving donations in her friends’ names as Christmas presents this year. She says, “I’m thinking a lot about where my money is going, and I want the money that I spend on my friends and family on Christmas to matter.”

Planned Parenthood has received almost 80,000 donations since the election, “an unprecedented outpouring of support,” says the president of the organization, Cecile Richards, according to The Atlantic. Some women’s rights and LGBT rights activists are donating in Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s name, given his strong pro-life stance as the governor of Indiana.

According to The Atlantic, the American Civil Liberties Union announced that it has received roughly 120,000 donations totaling more than $7.2 million. The ACLU has stated on their website that their litigators, activists, and volunteers are ready to fight any impingement of American civil rights.

In times of political unrest, charities tend to receive a swell of donations. Ms. Macedo says, “Obviously my experience is only on a small scale, but I do think that this election and the fallout has made us more aware of the role we can play as individuals in society.”

Image source: Pixabay.