Help LGBTQIASB+ young people for under ten dollars on Give Like Dolly Day

Open Doors Youth Service (ODYS) invites the community to celebrate Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy of generosity by supporting LGBTQIASB+ young people through their Give Like Dolly Day campaign.

Dolly Parton once said, “I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of giving,” and this Friday, September 25, on Give Like Dolly Day, Open Doors Youth Service would like to remind you that a little generosity can make a big difference.

Give Like Dolly Day encourages people to embrace Dolly’s generous spirit and give back to their communities.

The Dolly Parton Foundation announced the inaugural Give Like Dolly Day to honour her lifelong commitment to children. This is the first Give Like Dolly Day since the icon passed last month.

Inspired by this, Open Doors Youth Service is asking supporters to donate $9.25 and help raise $9,250 for its Drop-In Service.

The Drop-In Service provides LGBTQIASB+ young people aged 12 to 24 with an accessible pathway to support and community connection. By giving less than ten dollars, you can help them do that.

‘Generosity is about more than how much you give’

ODYS CEO Rachel Hinds said the campaign celebrates Dolly’s commitment to helping others, while supporting a service that can make an immediate difference in a young person’s life.

“Dolly showed the world that generosity is about more than how much you give,” Rachel said. “It is about choosing to care, standing alongside people and using what you have to make life better for others.”

“Give Like Dolly Day is an opportunity for our community to carry that legacy forward and help ensure LGBTQIASB+ young people have somewhere safe and affirming to turn.”

Unlike many other services, young people do not need an appointment, registration or referral to attend Drop-In.

They can simply arrive and access practical assistance, connect with youth workers or spend time in an affirming environment with other LGBTQIASB+ young people.

During Drop-In, young people can grab something to eat, have a hot shower, access the ODYS community closet and connect with support when they need it.

Throughout her career, Dolly Parton has shared that she grew up poor. “We didn’t have any money,” she said. “But we were rich in things that money don’t buy. You know, like love and kindness and understanding.”

Open Doors Youth Service continues to create spaces for young people to feel, and be, welcomed and accepted.

Drop-In does not receive dedicated ongoing funding

Rachel said removing formal barriers was an important part of meeting young people where they were.

“Asking for support can feel overwhelming, particularly when a young person is already dealing with isolation, housing insecurity, family challenges or concerns about their identity,” Rachel added.

“Drop-In provides a welcoming first step. A young person can walk through our doors without having to complete a formal referral or explain everything they are experiencing before they feel ready. Sometimes what they need first is a meal, a shower, a conversation or simply the reassurance that they are not alone.”

Drop-In does not currently receive dedicated ongoing funding, making community support essential to its continuation. Donations through the Give Like Dolly campaign will help ODYS provide food, personal-care items, access to its community closet, youth-worker support and safe spaces where young people can connect and belong.

 

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While the campaign’s suggested donation is $9.25, supporters are encouraged to contribute whatever amount is right for them.

“A donation of $9.25 may feel small, but when our community comes together, those individual acts of generosity can create something incredibly powerful,” Rachel said. “Every contribution helps us keep our doors open and be there when a young person decides they are ready to connect.”

Give Like Dolly Day is a reminder that generosity doesn’t have to be complicated.

A simple act of giving can help a young person feel safer, supported and more connected to their community.

Donate $9.25, or whatever you can. Each donation helps ODYS reach its $9,250 goal and continue providing its Drop-In Service for LGBTQIASB+ young people.

You can donate and find out more here.

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