DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Delaware County nonprofit organization has raised more than $1 million in less than 24 hours to help other nonprofits. They’re encouraging people to help them keep giving, before time is up.
The Delco Gives initiative was created by the nonprofit Foundation for Delaware County. Its president, Frances Sheehan, says the foundation had a goal of raising a few hundred thousand dollars for about a hundred area nonprofits, which they surpassed on Thursday.
“We passed the million-dollar mark in our 24-hour online giving day to support over 280 nonprofits serving Delaware County,” said Sheehan. “It’s been very very powerful. The vibe has been so enthusiastic, so generous.”
According to Sheehan, the mission of Delco Gives is to help organizations of all sizes that serve people from all walks of life throughout the county, including the Wayne area, Chester, Upper Darby, Sharon Hill and Garnet Valley, “organizations as big as our community college and Natural Lands to organizations that are very small.”
Some of those groups include the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Mitzvah Circle Foundation and Tyler Arboretum. Several libraries and schools are also benefiting from the day’s fundraising efforts.
Sheehan says the event could not have come at a better time. “The pandemic isn’t completely in the rear view for the nonprofits. The need is still really there,” she said.
The festivities include block parties and other community events around the county, as well as a livestream. The group will accept donations through 7 p.m. Thursday.