Alabama residents dug deep into their pockets and gave generously during “Alabama Gives Day” on Feb. 2.

Statewide, $744,000 was donated online by 8,400 people to non-profits.

“I think it was much, much more than anybody expected,” said Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension Agent. “There was a huge support.”

Lyons said $3,200 was raised statewide for Alabama 4-H programs, but he isn’t sure yet how much of that will go to Pike County.

“People don’t always realize how far that number will go,” Lyons said. “That’s a great number for us.”

4-H groups will use the donated funds to continue current programs, create new programs and even send children to summer camp.

“It was the first time we had participated, so we are really grateful,” Lyons said. “I can’t say enough good things about all the support we received.”

Another group to benefit from “Alabama Gives Day” was the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center.

“I feel grateful and appreciative of the donors who participated in this statewide fund-raiser,” said CAC Executive Director Camille Downing. “Child Abuse is not genetic and can have a huge impact on the community as a whole, not just the victim and their families. It could happen to any family.”

Downing said there were two people who gave to the CAC on the Feb. 2 day of giving and one of them was from Cleveland, Ohio.

“Sadly, we didn’t reach our goal,” Downing said, adding that she felt it was because of a lack of knowledge about the CAC. “It is my prayer that local citizens in Pike and the surrounding counties which we serve jump on board and support our CAC in the effort to stop child abuse.”

Downing said this was the first time the CAC had participated in “Alabama Gives Day,” but she hopes it isn’t the last.

“I want to see this really take off next time.”