The Community Chest Kicks Off Annual Campaign

The Community Chest's 2018-2019 Annual Campaign is underway to raise $315,000 for 24 nonprofit agencies and programs that help people in need in eastern Bergen County. For 85 years, the organization has led initiatives and supported nonprofits to make local communities stronger and benefit people in the area.

The Chest supports area nonprofit organizations addressing a range of issues, including health and mental health, hunger, arts programming, the environment, and volunteerism for approximately 50,000 people. Twenty-four agencies delivering social, cultural, recreational, and educational services to local residents in need of all ages received grant awards in 2018.

Safety Net

Two of the grants awarded responded to emergency needs for programs supporting local youth that lost critical funding. The Chest awarded an emergency grant for a valued music program facing closure that provided music study for students unable to afford lessons in the Englewood public schools. Research shows music education increases academic scores and improves school attendance.

A second emergency grant awarded to an afterschool program assisted low-income middle-school youth in need of emotional and social support. This program provides essential mental health services, learning support, mentoring, recreation and nutritious meals to youth.

"The Community Chest is often a safety net for nonprofit organizations and agencies experiencing financial difficulties. During the annual campaign, the public's support is critical to our ability to respond to pressing needs. Working together we can continue to strengthen our community," said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them in competitive grants to nonprofit agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. Coordinating and planning services are also provided in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network. The organization's Board of Managers implements a thorough process of screening, research, and monitoring to assure the funds raised are directed to the most worthy programs and the areas of greatest need.

Donate

The public can help meet the increased need and emergency demands for services. Contributions of any size may be made by check to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ 07631. Donations may also be made online on the organization's website. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. For information, call 201-568-7474 or contact shelly@communitychestofenglewood.org.

Photos.

1) The Young People's Chorus @ Thurnauer performs. Photo Credit: Chris MarksburyMiddle school students from Bergen Family Center's The Zone participate in an art class with a professional artist at the Bergen Performing Arts Center. Photo Credit: The Community Chest

2) Middle school students from Bergen Family Center's The Zone participate in an art class with a professional artist at the Bergen Performing Arts Center. Photo Credit: The Community Chest