A Giving Back Guide
Give the gift of a helping hand
The holidays are a time for family, friends, gratitude and giving. And this year, instead of giving traditional gifts — another candle, scarf or gift card — why not donate in their name to a local nonprofit?
Here are some suggestions for making a difference in our community.
Chester County Food Bank: The Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization for the County, working with 150 community partners. These partners are a network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters, school districts and other social service organizations that distribute over 3.6 million pounds of food annually, with 55% being fresh produce, fruit, eggs, dairy and protein.
Ways to Give: $50 per month provides two seniors with a Grocery Box of shelf-stable food to stretch their budget. $100 per month sponsors a family of four through the Fruit and Vegetable prescription program.
Home of the Sparrow: Their mission is to partner with women facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability and chart new paths for their futures. Last year, this nonprofit was able to help 896 women and children facing homelessness in Chester County.
Ways to Give: Adopt a family through the Holiday Gift Program with a $100 donation.
Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center: This group runs one of the largest nonprofit employment- and disability-focused support service programs in the region. It provides outsourcing solutions that empower individuals with employment barriers.
Ways to Give: A $50 donation directly supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful employment.
Canine Partners for Life: For over 35 years, CPL has trained service and companion dogs to assist individuals who have physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities. At any given time, CPL has 60 to 80 dogs in the training program and supports over 150 active service and companion dog teams across the U.S.
Ways to Give: $25 provides a clicker, treats and microchip for one puppy in training. $50 feeds one dog in the kennel for a month.
Open Hearth, Inc.: A leader in resource coordination and community-building efforts, Open Hearth provides innovative programs to support and empower people to end the cycle of homelessness, get affordable housing and a means of transportation, plus achieve financial stability.
Ways to Give: A $50 donation will provide a client a one-on-one session with a financial navigator to help develop a budget and provide financial coaching.
Spread the good cheer this year … and next.
