The Community Chest: Coronavirus Emergency Fund Awards Grants

The Community Chest announces the awarding of over $50,000 in grants from its Coronavirus Emergency Fund to 13 agencies. Founded in 1933, The Chest is a nonprofit organization serving eastern Bergen County and headquartered in Englewood, New Jersey working with area agencies providing support to people in need.

With a mission to strengthen the community through partnership, leadership and philanthropy, The Community Chestawarded grants, with a maximum award of $4,000, to local nonprofits through a competitive process managed by The Chest's Allocations Committee and approved by the Board of Managers. The recipients are: Center for Food Action, Center for Hope and Safety, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Office of Concern Food Pantry, Spectrum for Living, Vantage Health System, West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program, Women’s Rights Information Center, Bergen Volunteer Center, Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Metro Community Center, St. Paul's Church, and the YWCA.

The grant awards support food, clothing, shelter, and safety to meet increased demands for services to local nonprofits impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey. These agencies provide meals for food insecure families, safety for domestic abuse victims, and mental and physical health services to the most at-risk members of the community. 100% of all contributions raised were awarded to nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agencies.

Collaboration During the Pandemic

Founded at the height of the Great Depression in 1933 to find solutions to the economic challenges affecting neighbors in the area, The Community Chest responded immediately to the coronavirus pandemic working with area nonprofits to provide them with the tools to carry out their missions. The Chest provides a platform for nonprofit agency leaders to collaborate, discuss their problems and identify solutions to help neighbors in eastern Bergen County.

"During this time of extensive need in the community, The Community Chest called upon our neighbors to help their neighbors. The Community Chest is grateful to all the donors who responded and supported their neighbors," said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

"We came together with the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation to ensure maximum coverage throughout the county. This collaboration allowed us to coordinate resources and share the application with the nonprofit agencies, while providing the greatest support possible to the community in a serious crisis to fulfill our neighbors' needs," explained Dr. Wimpfheimer.

"On behalf of our board, staff, and especially our families, thank you for your most generous award. We are exceedingly grateful for The Community Chest, especially during this time of great distress. As a result of the Coronavirus Emergency Fund award, West Side will be able to: distribute children's activity packets; distribute diapers, diaper cream, formula, and baby wipes; distribute breakfast and lunch packets for each family; continue working with our 'virtual buddies' and provide needed materials; continue daily counseling with our families; and distribute essentials to families," said Darlene Serrano, Executive Director, West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program.

Funds were raised through a special appeal to neighbors. Contributions may continue to be made online. Send donations by check, made out to 'The Community Chest', to 122 South Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey 07606. Enter in the memo line, Coronavirus Emergency Fund.

For further information about The Chest, visit the organization's website or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook and Twitter.