State parks take part in "Giving Tuesday"

Contributed

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. That means friends and family come home to make new memories and reminisce of the old. This holiday season Alabama State Parks Partners are asking you to share more than just memories.    

The Alabama State Parks Partners are participating in #GivingTuesday. This is a global day of giving that harnesses the power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and generosity worldwide. #GivingTuesday takes place on Dec. 1, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to kick off the giving season.

 “Our parks bring to much to the state of Alabama; by participating in this worldwide giving event the Alabama Parks Partners hope to inspire people and organizations to give back these great parks,” said Philip Darden, President of Alabama State Parks Partners. “Your donations will help this incredible state parks system thrive, help put on special projects and events and improve communication to supporters of Alabama State Parks.”

Alabama State Parks have been hit hard with a fifth year of budget transfers by the Legislature. Due to this continual transfer of park funds to the general fund, five parks have closed their doors. The Parks System make the majority of its own money from park guest fees, but the Legislature has taken this money to fund other agencies of government; $30 million has been transferred from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since 2012. This year The Parks Partners are participating in #GivingTuesday to combat the severe losses of funding to Alabama State Parks.

The Alabama State Parks Partners is a coalition of individuals, businesses and non-profits who support the parks system. Money donated directly to The Park System is at risk of being transferred, by legislators, to the general fund. By donating directly to The Alabama State Parks Partners, a non-profit, the money is used solely to benefit the park system.

To make a donation visit alparkpartners.com/donate. Once on the page you can learn more about the parks, join the coalition and learn how you can help impact Alabama State Parks. After donating online, please post on social media with #GivingTuesday and #SupportALParks and encourage three friends to donate by directly tagging them in a post.

The Parks Partners can be found on Facebook, facebook.com/ALStateParksPartners, and Twitter, @ALParksPartners.

Alabama State Parks Partners coalition has one mission to highlight Alabama’s beautiful state parks and the important role they play in the quality of life in Alabama. Composed of businesses, nonprofit organizations, tourism boards, student groups, park user groups and other communities and municipalities that want to help grow a successful State Parks System. Learn more at www.ALParksPartners.com.

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