SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — As the rollercoaster that is 2020 comes to an end, doing what you can to give back this holiday season is more important than ever. According to Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s 2020 First Quarter Report, nonprofits were on trend to lose $25 billion this year.
Giving Tuesday, a “global generosity movement,” is an opportunity to help circumvent some of those losses. It kicks off the season of giving the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, falling this year on Dec. 1.
Related: How to help feed a local family this Thanksgiving [Free read]
Before the big day, it may help to have a plan in place for where you intend to donate. Below are 10 nonprofits that are asking for support and have pledged to keep your dollars in the community, based on what’s important to you.
OVERALL COMMUNITY
United Way of the Cape Fear Area
If someone added up all the dollars they spent on coffee in the last year, it would probably be a lot of unaccounted-for spending. But what if, instead of purchasing another forgettable cup of joe, that money went right back into the community?
United Way of the Cape Fear Area — which works with 42 nonprofits across New Hanover County and its three neighboring counties — is asking people to pledge one “cup of coffee” a week to help others. By texting “GIVEUPACUP to 44-31,” donors can commit just five bucks weekly. That can quickly add up to $190, enough to feed a family for four to five months.
United Way has taken strides this past year to address the needs that have arisen out of Covid-19’s unexpected arrival. The organization rolled out a quarantine program with several partners to place discharged hospital patients in isolation with meals and health services. Plus, its “Healthy Hotels Initiative” moves vulnerable populations out of homeless shelters and takes in victims of domestic violences, cases of which have surged amid the pandemic.
Contributions can be made at uwcfa.org/donate.
FOSTER CHILDREN
Foster Pantry
At the start of the pandemic, Foster Pantry noticed intakes of children entering foster care slowing.
However, that observation did not bring the nonprofit relief. Children were no longer in school nor in the public eye, meaning fewer reports were being made.
But, in the last few months, requests for assistance have ramped up, while incoming donations have come to a halt.
“Our caregivers have felt the stressors and financial strain of the pandemic,” said Stacy Pullen, president of the Foster Pantry, “and they need our support more than ever so that they can continue to say yes to children in need.”
The foster pantry relies on donations to make many placements possible. Someone may be willing to foster a newborn or accept a kinship placement, but may lack the resources or supplies to confidentially agree, Pullen explained. The support of the nonprofit helps them do so.
“We can provide these items so that the children can be placed with their family, or a foster family doesn’t have to say no to a placement due to lack of supplies,” Pullen said.
The needs right now include:
- gift cards for ages 16 through 21 to shop for clothes
- new tennis or athletic shoes of all sizes for toddlers through teenagers
- new educational toys and sensory tools for toddler and elementary-aged kids
- infant and toddler toiletries
- diapers in sizes three, four and five, newborn and preemie, and Pull-Ups of all sizes
- wipes
- new clothes
- books
- gently-used infant and toddler equipment
Foster Pantry also needs funds to assist with finding a new space in 2021. The nonprofit lost its location of three years in August when the landlord expanded offices to comply with social distancing.
Interested volunteers should be on the lookout for group opportunities in 2021.
For more information, or to schedule a pick up or drop off of donations, email info@fosterpantry.com, or call or text 910-707-4464.
SAFETY AND EMPOWERMENT
Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.
Demand for services at the Domestic Violence Shelter has drastically increased since mid-March.
Crisis line calls more than doubled from this time last year, and the number of shelter nights has risen 277%, according to Kim Boyce, director of operations and development at the agency.
“The impacts of COVID-19 have been especially dangerous for those experiencing domestic violence,” Boyce said. “The implementation of stay-at-home orders, though necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus, escalated risks for those living with an abuser. Many survivors were cut off from their support systems and abusers had an increased ability to isolate and control their partners.”
Although the agency hasn’t stopped its services, it did lose a dependable source of revenue for several months when its three Vintage Values resale shops were shuttered.
To help make up for it, folks can donate online or by mail to DVSS at PO Box 1555, Wilmington, NC, 28402.
Another way to support the agency is to shop at the resale stores or donate gently-used clothing, household items and other goods for them to sell for proceeds.
To drop off items, call ahead to one of the stores and schedule an appointment.
Volunteer opportunities are available at each store, as well.
A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT
StepUp Wilmington
With unemployment on the rise, StepUp Wilmington’s (SUW) mission to help people obtain jobs is essential, and it will continue to be for years to come as people regain their footing post-pandemic.
In 2020 40% of SUW graduates experienced economic hardship as a result of Covid-19, according to Executive Director Will Rikard.
Related: Virtual roundtable: Wilmington-area non-profits before, during, and after Covid-19 [Free]
“While the challenges posed by Covid-19 are significant, SUW has responded creatively to the emerging needs of people and businesses, implementing virtual trainings and customized job search plans for individual needs, removing unnecessary barriers during a pandemic,” Rikard said.
Still, in the coming year the number of people seeking employment is expected to surge. SUW is asking for financial support from the community to meet the rising demand.
To find out how to get involved, visit their website.
ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
Cape Fear Literacy Council
More than 60,000 citizens have limited literacy skills in the Cape Fear region, but they also have a source of free and personalized education right from their home.
Because of the pandemic, Cape Fear Literacy Council had to reinvent the way it provides services, but the Covid-forced push to get things done remotely has been beneficial in many ways.
“The transition to the online format has broken down barriers caused by transportation, work schedule and childcare issues for many tutors and students,” according to Alesha Westbrook, communications and development coordinator, and Erin Payne, director of fund development. “The option to learn remotely has allowed students the exciting new opportunity to engage in the classes, and while there was definitely a learning curve, students and tutors are still bonding and creating meaningful educational experiences through digital platforms.”
Students are able to attend tutoring and group classes virtually, and the tutors themselves are learning to use Zoom and other platforms to continue teaching.
Anyone who wants to support the work of the nonprofit should make a donation to the Cape Fear Literacy Council online or by mailing a check – payable to Cape Fear Literacy Council – to 1012 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The nonprofit also accepts gently and unused books. Donate them to the nonprofit’s online bookshop. Call 910-251-0911 or email info@cfliteracy.org to schedule a drop-off time.
AT-RISK STUDENTS
Communities in Schools
When schools closed, it became even more difficult, yet more important than ever, for Communities in Schools of Cape Fear to motivate students to stay in school.
Communities in Schools places staff members in high-need public schools and works directly with more than 1,000 vulnerable students at high risk of dropping out.
Related: New Hanover County schools strive to be ‘trauma-informed,’ help kids cope with adversity
The nonprofit ramped up and revamped its efforts to reach kids remotely, from checking in weekly with families to delivering basic needs such as food and diapers.
“‘In Schools and Beyond’ became our new motto,” Louise Hicks, executive director, said.
Meanwhile, fundraising events were canceled, and the nonprofit is bracing itself for lessened individual and corporate support, as well as government funding in coming years. Its hope is to engage enough willing community members to make up for anticipated losses.
“We understand you are being asked by a number of other groups, but we hope you will consider a gift to Communities In Schools as an investment in our community, an investment in our youth and an investment in our future,” Hicks said.
Hicks breaks down how your dollars could help: $50 is enough to gift school supplies to a student in need; $100 will buy healthy snacks; $250 could prepare third graders for the end of grade tests; $500 could sponsor an after-school or remote learning lab student; $1,000 could fund a student support specialist.
Donations are accepted online or by check to CIS Cape Fear, PO Box 398, Wilmington, NC 28402.
POVERTY
Vigilant Hope
Vigilant Hope, a faith-based nonprofit, is noticing an increase in the community needing support.
Throughout the pandemic, it has continued offering hot meals and showers through its shower trailer to those in poverty, while also supplying groceries to those with scarce access to food.
It also roasts its own coffee, which is carried in local establishments and can be purchased online.
At this time, the nonprofit is asking for monetary donations and physical items for its meal distributions. Needs include:
- shampoo
- travel-sized hand sanitizers
- hand or foot warmers
- long johns
- hats, gloves, coats in all sizes
- small packers of tissues
- backpacks
- Lysol wipes
- men’s underwear
- women’s deodorant
- bug spray
- 12 ounce hot drink cups
- napkins
- salt and pepper packets
- sugar packets
- creamer packets
- Ziplock bags
- mayonnaise packets
- can openers
- toothpaste
- paper towels
- toilet paper
People can drop off items at Vigilant Hope, located at 1626 Lake Branch Dr. in Wilmington, on Mondays and Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. The nonprofit also has an Amazon wishlist that can ship items directly to the nonprofit.
Related: Deep Dive: Riverwalk renovations highlight need to address downtown unsheltered population
PRISONER RE-ENTRY
Leading Into New Communities, Inc.
Re-entering society after prison is not easy, but when you add pandemic to the list of obstacles, the challenge is unparalleled.
That’s when organizations like Leading Into New Communities, Inc. can help. The nonprofit guides men and women returning from prison through their transition.
For a while, the organization was on lockdown, and so were its residents in the 90-day re-entry program; the goal of which is to shelter residents while they search for and secure stable jobs, then transition into housing.
“That couldn’t happen if they were not allowed to seek employment,” said Vincent Burgess, resident manager. “We made it through, and now we are seeing residents progressing and fulfilling their goals.”
LINC is seeking support of agencies and individuals for mentorship, sponsorship, volunteers, monetary and physical donations, and advocating for re-entry programs.
Those interested in helping should call 910-332-1132 and ask for Burgess or leave a message. You can also email.
HUNGER
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard
In a safe and curbside manner, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard has continued distributing groceries to people struggling with food insecurity in the Wilmington area.
The nonprofit is looking for willing volunteers who are 65 and younger and in good health. Anyone interested should fill out a form on their website.
To easily donate, the pantry accepts financial contributions online and by mail to PO Box 76, Wilmington, NC 28402.
To help restock the pantry, the following non-perishable items are needed:
- healthy soup
- cereal
- fruit
- canned meat
- dried beans
- canned black or white beans
- macaroni and cheese
- individual drinks
- juice boxes
- spaghetti
- personal hygiene items (shampoo, soap, feminine products, razors, etc.)
Donations should be brought to the side door of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, 315 Redcross St., between 2 and 3 p.m., any day of the week except Thursday and Sunday.
EQUALITY
Frank Harr Foundation
The Frank Harr Foundation, an education and outreach organization working for the LGBTQIA community, provides safe spaces for gender and sexual minorities, and encourages other organizations to create the same environment through programming.
This year has been strenuous as the organization has lost the opportunity to host several major annual fundraising events.
“In spite of these limitations, the board of directors has been hard at work raising funds to help us grow and expand our programming as a vibrant LGBTQ Center serving southeastern North Carolina,” chairperson Virginia Hager said.
Donors are encouraged to visit frankharrfoundation.org and click on the “Donate Now” to make a contribution. Checks can be mailed to at 1624 Princess St., Wilmington, NC 28401.
From the site, visitors may also express interest in volunteerism. The Frank Harr Foundation offers a range of opportunities, from working a shift at event booths to joining a fundraising committee.
Have a nonprofit you want to add to the list? Email Alex Sands at alexandria@localdailymedia.com. Please, include how Covid-19 has impacted your organization and how the community can help.
"port" - Google News
November 30, 2020 at 01:00AM
https://ift.tt/36lb30i
10 places to give locally this Giving Tuesday [Free Read] - Port City Daily
"port" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VXul6u
https://ift.tt/2WmIhpL
No comments:
Post a Comment