The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA) is celebrating the uniqueness of individuals with Down syndrome and rallying the community through a monthlong campaign leading up to World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.
Their 21 Days of Giving initiative is currently underway and runs through March 21. The campaign is designed to build excitement and support leading up to the international day of awareness and celebration. Each day, GRADSA is highlighting a different program or outreach effort on social media and through email to show supporters the impact of their contributions.
“We started this as a way to build sustainability for our organization and to help people see where their donations go,” said GRADSA Executive Director Natalie Love. “It’s also a great way to raise awareness and get the community engaged in what World Down Syndrome Day is really all about.”
Community members are encouraged to give in various ways — whether through donations, acts of kindness, or simply by helping spread awareness.
GRADSA also recently launched its Giving to GRADSA Club, a new recurring giving program where donors commit to $12 per month. Love said the program helps ensure continued support for GRADSA’s wide range of activities, which include dance and art classes, a book club, cooking and nutrition programs, medical outreach, and more.
As part of the awareness effort, the nonprofit is inviting individuals and businesses to participate in the annual “Rock Your Socks” campaign by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks on March 21. The gesture is a conversation-starter meant to celebrate the unique abilities of people with Down syndrome and promote inclusion.
GRADSA is also accepting sponsorships for its World Down Syndrome Day Celebration, a private event for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
“There will be food, desserts, dancing, crafts — just a big party,” Love said. “It’s a time when our individuals can see each other outside our weekly programming or the annual Buddy Walk. But it’s also incredible how much it benefits the parents. They can come together, share advice, talk about their experiences, and really connect.”
In addition to fundraising and outreach, GRADSA is expanding its online spirit store, which will soon feature handmade items created by individuals in the program.
Love said the month of March is a pivotal time to strengthen the organization’s impact and ensure it can continue serving even more families across the region.
“We only have one major fundraiser each year with the Buddy Walk, so this campaign is a great way to keep our momentum going and make sure we’re able to grow,” she said.
To follow along with the 21 Days of Giving campaign or join the Giving to GRADSA Club, visit gradsa.org.
