NATCHITOCHES -- Northwestern State athletics is calling on donors, fans and other Demon supporters to support its fundraising goal of $25,000 on #GivingTuesday.
 
#GivingTuesday, a global day of giving celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, kicks off the charitable season as many turn their focus to end-of-year donations.
 
To donate, text NSUGIVINGDAY to 71777 or visit NSU's Giving Tuesday webpage at nusdemons.com/NSUGIVINGDAY.
 
Fans can also donate to a specific sport on the webpage by clicking the team's tab, like associate athletic director Dr. Haley Taitano.
 
"NSU track and field helped shape who I am as a former student-athlete and coach, so I gave directly to that program," said Taitano, who held NSU's pole vault record until this past season. "Whether you have a direct relationship with a program or just want to help make NSU athletics the best it can be, your financial support enables us to provide great experiences for our student-athletes."
 
Mike Jaworski, NSU's director of development and engagement and a former Demon baseball Academic All-American, said he wants to build upon the solid foundation of NSU athletics to create even better experiences for current and future student-athletes.
 
"We believe that once you're a Demon, you're a Demon forever," said Jaworski, who holds NSU's single-game home run record with three. "My experience here was amazing, and we want to continue to improve what we do to compete with schools in the Southland Conference and other regional institutions."
 
In 2017, the NSU fan base gave generously with more than $18,000 donated to the Demons Unlimited Foundation, NSU's non-profit organization that helps fund scholarships and supports all 14 of the department's Division I athletics programs.
 
"Most people don't realize how much money it takes to run a Division I athletic program," Taitano said. "The cost just for text books for student-athletes is more than $250,000 annually.
 
"That's money that we have to raise to continue to provide scholarships for our students."
 
Outside of scholarship support, the DUF supports facilities enhancements, athletics recruiting efforts and coach retention through performance bonuses as the Demons and Lady Demons compete for championships.
 
Follow NSU's social media accounts on Twitter (@NSUDemons) and Facebook (@NSUDemons) to track progress toward the #GivingTuesday goal and to see featured donations throughout the day.