Today is National Nonprofit Day — a day to raise awareness for charitable contributions from nonprofit groups across the world.
In our community, many impactful charitable contributions come from organizations within For Our City – Chandler. For Our City – Chandler is a network of faith-based organizations, nonprofits, service organizations, and businesses working with the City of Chandler together to help our residents.
For Our City – Chandler’s community projects are created and developed by leaders and nonprofits right here in Chandler. They are a combined effort among groups and organizations to ensure the projects make the biggest possible impact on the people who need it most.
Community Projects Spotlight
Operation Back to School
This event is the biggest back-to-school collaborative donation drive for Chandler students in need. Every year, Chandler K-12 students line up to receive backpacks (filled with school supplies), shoes, uniforms, socks and underwear in addition to information on free after school programs, giveaways and prizes. The goal is to ensure all students are set up for success for each new school year, regardless of income.
For Our City Day
Hundreds of residents gather together on National Make a Difference Day every year to assist with neighborhood projects in the community. Previous days have included neighborhood revitalization projects and landscape improvements in Chandler neighborhoods.
Holiday Drives
Chandler nonprofit organizations that conduct food and gift drives during the holiday season collaborate annually on their individual drives in order to fully utilize resources, reduce duplication efforts and expand the reach to people in need of help.
I-HELP
The I-HELP program provides a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to sleep due to an organized effort amongst faith organizations that are committed to opening their facilities for one night a week or month to serve people in need. The organization AZCEND oversees the I-HELP program that offers dinner, a shower, a comfortable night’s sleep and breakfast for each client, seven days a week.
Nonprofits Need Your Help Surviving the Pandemic
COVID-19 has turned everyone's world upside down — especially Chandler’s nonprofits. From cancelled fundraisers, decreased donors and volunteers and increased need for services, nonprofits are stretched thin.
AZCEND has seen this firsthand. Trinity Donovan, CEO of AZCEND, said the organization has seen a 65 percent increase in the number of meals on wheels distributed, as well as a 70 percent increase in rent and utility assistance since before the pandemic.
“Our volunteers and staff have shown incredible dedication during this difficult time,” Donovan said. “They have worked tirelessly to adapt our programs so that we can continue to serve our community. We have switched our senior meal service, diaper distribution, activities, classes, and many other programs to virtual or drive-through. We are taking precautions and putting safety first at every opportunity.”
George Macedon, the President and Executive Director of FANS Across America Charitable Foundation, said this time has posed difficult adjustments for the organization. However, the organization has continued to serve those in need.
“Not being able to rely on volunteers to assist with many of our day to day operations and having to increase the paid hours of full time and part-time staff to offset many of the missed volunteer hours has been very challenging,” Macedom said. “Fundraising events being cancelled, and some grants not being fully funded or cancelled have added to the challenges. However, FANS has been able to continue, and will continue, providing assistance to referred families and youth facing economic and personal hardships without compromising our service levels.”
How to Get Involved
Your contributions can help make a big difference assisting the nonprofits on the front lines of the pandemic. Whether it is through physical or monetary support, For Our City – Chandler is able to better serve the public through this time with every donation received.
Many nonprofits have shared that monetary donations are one of the best ways you can help. Funding can assist with things such as:
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Scheduling a nurse to do quality checks on homebound seniors
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Purchasing essential supplies for staff assisting residents
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Helping food banks obtain enough food for clients
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Maintaining meals-on-wheels program for seniors
To donate or volunteer to help the For Our City – Chandler network of organizations, visit them online to search for opportunities or donate directly.