LANCASTER, Pa. — Lancaster ExtraGive is underway, and organizers say the number of people who are donating to organizations and nonprofits that make an impact in the community keeps growing.
The ExtraGive event kicked off at midnight Friday and concludes at midnight Saturday. FOX43 got a chance to put a face to some of the organizations involved with ExtraGive and how the funding can further their initiative.
Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that provides hot meals to around 500 residents in Lancaster County. Since inflation and the economic crisis have changed the way of living for many people, Doug Hopwood, director at Meals on Wheels, says they’ve seen a 10% increase in people who need hot meals.
“Well inflation affects our clients, but it also affects us, and food costs and transportation costs--without our volunteers, we couldn’t possibly do this,” said Hopwood. “We have drivers deliver to over 32 routes each day and they show up around 10 a.m. to do that, so this is just going to help us pay our bills and allow us to serve more people in need.”
Another organization FOX43 had the chance to catch up with is Leadership Lancaster, a diverse group of existing and emerging leaders of the community. Josh Burke, interim executive director of Leadership Lancaster, says this leadership makes a big impact on Lancaster.
“All of the donations we get, as a small organization, which is great—they go directly to programs and scholarships. We offer scholarships to all of our programs to make sure the cost is not prohibitive,” said Burke.
Loan Oak Animal-Assisted Therapeutic and Educational Services is another organization that you can find among the many participating in ExtraGive. Their mission is to provide several resources to the community while also rescuing horses and other animals.
Heather Girvin, executive director at Loan Oak, says they can provide access to nature. She also says that they provide many services, including behavioral therapy, alternative school resources and community services for court-order citations.
“The thing we brag about the most is we are 100% volunteer, and that started because we couldn’t afford to pay and now it’s just something that we’re proud of,” said Girin. “Not one single penny is paid, so every dollar donated goes to directly support programs that we're running so kids and families get it.”
FOX43 also got the opportunity to catch up with ASSETS, a nonprofit organization that focuses on transforming communities through business. The nonprofit offers in-depth training and financing for entrepreneurs and works with established businesses to improve their social and environmental footprint.
Chelsea Christmas, community engagement coordinator with ASSETS who is also an entrepreneur herself, said they work specifically with women and BIPOC residents of Lancaster County, but funding would help take their mission further.
“Funding would help our programs continue to provide programs for small businesses to exist here in Lancaster City, and throughout the county it’ll also continue to help us bring in our volunteers that come in, help us with our programs and so much more,” said Christmas.
To donate to the organizations above or the 400 others, click here.