As Congress contemplates another round of economic stimulus, a Raleigh group is hoping many of the beneficiaries will consider paying it forward.
The bill in the Senate would would provide direct payments worth up to $1,400 per person to families earning less than $160,000 a year and individuals earning less than $80,000 a year. The Pledge My Check initiative, launched last spring with the first round of stimulus, could get another boost if it passes.
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In Wake County, the Boys and Girls Club uses donated funds – a recent $500 check from Pledge My Check included – to support virtual learning programs at locations.
“During this period, support for programs like the Boys and Girls Club is more critical than ever," said Hugh McLean, operations director for the Wake County clubs.
He called Pledge My Check one of the "cool" things to come out of the unprecedented pandemic and response.
Kevin Miller is one of those behind the initiative.
"During a time of crisis, you see all of this bad news, but you can go out and be the good news," he said.
Since Miller and a group of volunteers launched Pledge My Check in the spring, they've seen more than $294,000 pledged by 441 people across 41 states.
“We saw this as a chance for folks who are in a financially stable position to take this money and pass it along to someone and be the good news," Miller said.
With another round of stimulus in the offing, he and his partners hope to reach their goal of raising $1 million across all 50 states.
"These are small things that each of us can do. But if we all do it, it’s going to create a more hopeful, more generous, beautiful world," said Jordan Bowman, another Pledge My Check founder.
Pledge My Check doesn't take a cut or direct how donations can be used. Instead, it encourages individuals to give directly to organizations they trust.