New global day of giving, ‘unity’
#GivingTuesdayNow aims to boost offerings in this time of need.
With record demand for food and housing assistance, charities throughout Central Florida are hoping #GivingTuesdayNow — a new virtual donation drive this week — can bolster bottom lines battered by the coronavirus pandemic.
The global event is organized by the same coalition of philanthropists who launched the annual post-Thanksgiving #GivingTuesday, which raised $511 million in the U.S. last year.
But the money is needed now more than ever, especially in a region whose main industry — tourism — has been shut down.
Since stay-at-home orders were issued in March, nonprofits in Central Florida have been forced to cancel charity galas and golf tournaments, turn fundraising “runs” into online events and spend precious funds on personal protective equipment, remote technology and deliv
ery services. Meanwhile, demand from struggling residents has soared.
“We have an emergency food pantry that has turned into an oasis for many families,” said Catalina Gonzalez, director of donor relations for the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka.
Unable to keep pace with demand on its own, Hope has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Chefs for America Orlando and nonprofit World Central Kitchen to deliver food for 840 meals to the community last week. This week, it expects the number to grow to 1,350 meals.
Similarly, Rebuilding Together of Central Florida — a nonprofit that typically uses volunteer labor to repair lowincome homes — has had a flood of urgent callers since the pandemic began, most seeking long-overdue work now that residents find themselves stuck inside.
“There are folks living in our community who don’t have running water,” said Executive Director Abby Lemay. “There are disabled children who can’t move freely around their homes because the walls aren’t wide enough for their wheelchair. There are veterans living with mold and breathing problems. … It’s unsafe to be in public, and for some of our neighbors, it’s not much safer at home.”
With current social-distancing concerns, Rebuilding Together has had to pause much of its work. But last week, the charity assembled 53 free do-it-yourself “Healthy Home Supply Kits” customized for clients with such items as new air filters, light bulbs, energy-efficient shower heads and smoke detectors.
On #GivingTuesdayNow, Lemay said, her agency nonprofit hopes to raise enough money to address the backlog once restrictions ease.
In addition to those charities, scores of other local agencies are working harder than ever during the pandemic, while struggling to pay for staff and supplies. For instance:
■ A Gift For Teaching.
School may be virtual, but students still need school supplies. For every $1 in donations, the nonprofit is able to provide about $10 in supplies, thanks to arrangements with corporate partners.
■ Matthew’s Hope in West Orange is “burning through resources at an unprecedented pace,” founder Scott Billue said, as it sends teams of outreach workers to provide protective masks, rain ponchos, disinfectant wipes, food, clothing and hygiene items to homeless people in the woods and on the streets. To contribute, text MHM to 41444 or go to matthewshopeministries.org/donatemoney.
■ The Community Hope
Center in Kissimmee is providing emergency food and mail pickup in a weekly drive-through operation, allowing people to stay in their vehicles. The charity welcomes donations at hope192.com and still needs volunteers. You can sign up for a shift here: https://bit.ly/2KXxpcD
■ The Sharing Center in Longwood focuses on serving those who are homeless or struggling to avoid homelessness. It operates the largest free food pantry in Seminole County and the county’s only drop-in resource center, where people can get a shower, a meal and someone to do their laundry. Both operations remain open during the pandemic, serving more people than ever. You can give at secure.qgiv.com/for/goosamcha/.
■ The Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County is trying to get diapers and wipes to mothers who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut. You can donate the hygiene supplies or make a financial contribution so the coalition can purchase them. See healthystartorange.org for details.
■ Pace Center for Girls in Orlando is supporting local families with a mobile pantry service. Pace volunteers have periodically hosted the pantry drive-through since the local center closed midMarch, ensuring girls and their families that normally rely on Pace services are fed. You can donate at pacecenter.org/support/donate.
For more suggestions on how to help, go to now.givingtuesday.org.