WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — NEPA Gives is set to take over the region Thursday, with its annual 24-hour fundraising effort, uniting nine local foundations and fueling hundreds of nonprofits across the region.
Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, NEPA Gives will connect donors with more than 400 nonprofits across 13 counties.
President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, said the event was created seven years ago to help nonprofits gain additional support and continues to address a wide range of needs throughout the region.
“We see needs across the board. We see them in every issue because everything connects. You know, someone that’s suffering from challenges and mental health might need housing help. Then they might need help getting to their job and then their animal, their pet could become homeless. It’s almost like it really compounds. So, I think no matter what someone cares about, they’re going to be able to help a lot of these growing needs on NEPA Gives,” said Ducceschi.
One of the nine foundations taking part is The Luzerne Foundation. Community Impact Director Lindsay Landis said sponsor-supported matching, bonus funds, and prize incentives help stretch every donation, giving even small contributions the chance to make a bigger impact for local charities.
“It could be $1,000 that could come from a $10 donation. And so, multiplying that impact is really what everybody gets so excited about. And it’s also a really good opportunity for these organizations to tell their story, because there’s so much being done in Luzerne County and in the whole region when it comes to good work. It could be everything from helping out the animals to children’s activities to seniors. You name it,” said Landis.
“These nonprofits are working really hard. A lot of times they’re relying on philanthropy to keep their doors open. And so, for us, it’s a great opportunity to do that, to come alongside those that are doing the great work,” said Landis.
The Community Foundation of Monroe County is starting up NEPA Gives with a kickoff event for local nonprofits, featuring both longtime participants and newer organizations like the Pocono Township Police Foundation.
““Every year we’ve done a kickoff event at a local business. This year, we’re doing it at a local nonprofit, and it gives all the nonprofits an opportunity to meet each other and talk to each other. It’s not typical that animal welfare people, food banks, the wildlife people, and the recreation people are all together in the same place. So, it gives them all an opportunity to kind of mingle,” said Holbert.
Holbert also added that the opportunities to give are nearly endless.
“You can give to any of the nonprofits. You can go in and search geographic area, you can search a certain cause area. If you want to put in animals, food or housing. One of our funds this year that’s participating is a dementia coalition,” said Holbert.
The 24-hour fundraising window starts at 7:00 p.m. Thursday and ends at 7:00 p.m. Friday.
For more information on NEPA Gives and how to donate, click here.