The COVID-19 crisis is causing unparalleled disruptions to the financial stability of many people. Millions find themselves unemployed and safety net systems designed to help them are overburdened leaving families in need of food and with questions on how to make mortgage payments or rent. Non-profit agencies are stretched to their limit to provide services, but many of their traditional fundraisers are cancelled because of the “Shelter in Place” directive. Now more than ever is the time for Rotarians to step up and follow the motto “Service Above Self.” Agencies need monetary donations to provide immediate COVID-19 services and at the same time position themselves to continue their traditional services Here is how you can help.
“GIVE DEKALB COUNTY” IS MAY 7
There are 110 local non-profit groups registered to be part of this 24-hour day of giving that is coordinated by the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, a program of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Donors may give through a secure website:
In previous years contributions could also be made in person at the Community Foundation Office in Sycamore; however, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, mail-in donations postmarked by May 7 will be accepted. Donors giving by mail can print a donation form from the website, complete the form indicating the organization(s) and donation amount(s) they wish to make, and then write a single check for the total amount payable to “DCCF.” The form and check should be mailed to: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178.
“Give DeKalb County” includes a bonus pool made possible by donors who wish to give added support to all participating non-profits. This pool will boost every donation given, whether by mail or online, in the form of proportional matching dollars to what is raised by each organization.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 TELETHON IS MAY 2
Past Rotary International President Barry Rassis will co-host this Facebook live-streaming event that will raise funds for world-wide COVID-19 response efforts. It can be viewed at facebook.com/rotary starting at 10 AM Central Time on Saturday, May 2. There will be musical performances and stories from those giving aid to COVID-19 victims around the world.
Please remember those in need and be as generous as possible by participating in one or both of these giving opportunities.