Nonprofits need our help more than ever

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt in innumerable ways. Of course the effect on public health is tremendous, but it goes far beyond that.

It’s likely that the economic toll of the virus will linger well beyond the point when the health dangers have been reduced sufficiently to allow life to return to normal.

With so many people left unemployed or with reduced pay, communities are seeing an explosion of need.

This community has a long and noble history of coming together to deliver help when it’s needed. Right now we’re being tested as never before. It’s going to require a great commitment on the part of those fortunate enough to have the means to help.

Some agencies are facing new obstacles due to the public health crisis.

“Right now I’m truly wearing every hat. Usually I say that kind of figuratively. We’re a small nonprofit,” said Bridget Leary, executive director of The Giving Tree, a nonprofit organization based in Gwynedd Valley that focuses on teaching children about philanthropy.

Another nonprofit, Integrate for Good, that provides services for people with disabilities, was incorporated in January 2019, according to Founder and Executive Director Bev Weinberg.

“We had great momentum going, and we were really in a position to grow until this hit, so we’re hoping that it’s temporary,” Weinberg said.

Many area nonprofits had to cancel fundraising events this spring due to health and safety concerns associated with large gatherings.

The governor’s stay-at-home order came at a most inopportune time for organizations that rely on contributions for support. Spring is a busy season for fundraising, but this year some of the most important charitable events have been canceled.

In the absence of 5K races, walkathons, fundraising galas and the like, many important causes are facing a significant shortfall.

And that’s not to mention that many people who typically make donations may not be able to do so under the current circumstances. Again, those of us with the means to help should step in and make a difference. The needs of nonprofit organizations meet remain with us and won’t go away.

Christine Bouley, executive director of the Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler said the Cupboard was “going to be the beneficiary of the Upper Dublin [Triathlon/Duathlon/ Aquabike].” The event was previously scheduled for May 17, and it’s been postponed to Aug. 30.

Other organizations had fundraising races scheduled that had to be canceled. Kristyn DiDominick, program director of Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, said the 2020 Race to End Hunger had to happen virtually.

We encourage people to look into volunteer opportunities with these organizations as well, with the understanding of the limits posed by COVID-19 precautions.

While the top priority must be to address the immediate problems posed by the pandemic and resulting closure of businesses, the needs of the nonprofit sector go far beyond that.

We must add that with health issues foremost in people’s minds, there is one type of donation that’s more important than ever but doesn’t cost the contributor a cent. We’re referring to donating blood.

The Red Cross and the MillerKeystone Blood Center issued calls for help early on in the pandemic due to the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives. Miller-Keystone’s blood donation centers in Bern Township and elsewhere remain open and are accepting donors by appointment. Miller-Keystone reports that thanks to resounding support from the community, there’s no blood shortage right now, but the need for donations is ongoing. It also needs plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19. Visit giveapint.org to learn how to help.

However one chooses to contribute during this time of need, it will be most welcome. The refrain that we’re all in this together doesn’t just refer to staying at home. It means helping out however we can.