The 10 Most Important Nonprofits in Chester County
09/04/2020 02:00PM ● By Kevin
The season of giving is just around the corner, so now's the time to refocus on those plans of doing good in the community and/or making a difference with a plan and a clear path. Here's a list of 9 Chester County area nonprofits that are vital to the community.
Mission: To promote the mushroom, educate consumers about the health benefits of mushrooms and to promote tourism in Southern Chester County, all while financially supporting local and regional charities through a grant process.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: According to its website, "Last year, over 500 volunteers came together to make the Festival an experience like no other in the area. We encourage you to join the fun. Our Button-Up-a-Booth programs gives businesses and organizations the opportunity to adopt one of our volunteer booths/locations to man for the Festival. We also welcome students needing community service hours ... The Festival needs people to help with set-up prior to the event, man booths during the event, and help with clean-up after the Festival. You must be 18 to volunteer."
How to Donate: Sponsorships begin at $100 donations and may exceed $10,000. To start the sponsorship process, return the Sponsor pledge form (available at the organization's website) as soon as possible. This will ensure the greatest promotional benefit from your sponsorship.
In the News in 2020
How to Donate: Financial donations can be made online at the organization's website or by mail at Lighthouse Youth Center, PO Box 38, Oxford, PA 19363. Other donations requested include individually wrapped snack donations (eg. fruit cups, granola bars, Gold Fish, etc.), non-perishable food items (eg. mac & cheese, canned corn, ketchup, pancake mix, etc.), paper products, and school supplies.
How to Donate: One hundred percent of YoungMoms’ funding comes from caring individuals, businesses, churches, foundations and the United Way of Southern Chester County. By collaborating with many local organizations, relying heavily on volunteers, and utilizing donated goods and services, YoungMoms is able to do a lot with a little! Donations can be made via PayPal on the organization's website.
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival - Kennett Square, PA
The Mushroom Festival is an all volunteer organization whose proceeds are distributed to a wide variety of charities and organizations benefiting the residents of Kennett Square and the s... Read More »
Mission: To promote the mushroom, educate consumers about the health benefits of mushrooms and to promote tourism in Southern Chester County, all while financially supporting local and regional charities through a grant process.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: According to its website, "Last year, over 500 volunteers came together to make the Festival an experience like no other in the area. We encourage you to join the fun. Our Button-Up-a-Booth programs gives businesses and organizations the opportunity to adopt one of our volunteer booths/locations to man for the Festival. We also welcome students needing community service hours ... The Festival needs people to help with set-up prior to the event, man booths during the event, and help with clean-up after the Festival. You must be 18 to volunteer."
How to Donate: Sponsorships begin at $100 donations and may exceed $10,000. To start the sponsorship process, return the Sponsor pledge form (available at the organization's website) as soon as possible. This will ensure the greatest promotional benefit from your sponsorship.
In the News in 2020
Kennett Run Charities - Kennett Square, PA
The Kennett Run was established with the purpose of promoting the general well being & civic betterment of the areas residents, organizations & projects. Read More »
Mission: To host an event designed to accomplish three major goals:
1. The achievement of sustainable camaraderie among Kennett area service organizations and citizens, and the fostering of an esprit de corps among the ethnically, economically, and occupationally diverse groups that comprise our community.
2. The establishment of a fundraising vehicle that would net ever-increasing sums for expenditure to promote the general well-being and civic betterment of Kennett area residents, organizations and projects; and
3. The showcasing of the town of Kennett Square and its environs by drawing participants and spectators from the region, the nation and perhaps even the world.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: According to its website, "The Kennett Run Charities Board is comprised of volunteers from various Kennett Square service organizations including the Rotary Club of Kennett Square, the Rotary Club of Longwood, the Lions Club, the Kennett Area YMCA and various Kennett area citizens who give their time and resources to make the Kennett Run a successful, fun event for serious runners as well as for family fun."
Additional opportunities include race day volunteers and tent/table set-up at the park pre-race.
How to Donate: According to its website: "During this trying time for all, starting in April the Kennett Run Charities will be granting funds to local agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working with the United Way of Southern Chester County to provide funds to local nonprofits with immediate needs. Due to the cancelation of the 2020 Kennett Run we regretfully removed the Grant Application for the 2020 grant cycle. Kennett Run Charities anticipates a return to historical practices with the 2021 race and wish you all to remain safe and strong."
In the News in 2020
1. The achievement of sustainable camaraderie among Kennett area service organizations and citizens, and the fostering of an esprit de corps among the ethnically, economically, and occupationally diverse groups that comprise our community.
2. The establishment of a fundraising vehicle that would net ever-increasing sums for expenditure to promote the general well-being and civic betterment of Kennett area residents, organizations and projects; and
3. The showcasing of the town of Kennett Square and its environs by drawing participants and spectators from the region, the nation and perhaps even the world.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: According to its website, "The Kennett Run Charities Board is comprised of volunteers from various Kennett Square service organizations including the Rotary Club of Kennett Square, the Rotary Club of Longwood, the Lions Club, the Kennett Area YMCA and various Kennett area citizens who give their time and resources to make the Kennett Run a successful, fun event for serious runners as well as for family fun."
Additional opportunities include race day volunteers and tent/table set-up at the park pre-race.
How to Donate: According to its website: "During this trying time for all, starting in April the Kennett Run Charities will be granting funds to local agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working with the United Way of Southern Chester County to provide funds to local nonprofits with immediate needs. Due to the cancelation of the 2020 Kennett Run we regretfully removed the Grant Application for the 2020 grant cycle. Kennett Run Charities anticipates a return to historical practices with the 2021 race and wish you all to remain safe and strong."
In the News in 2020
Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) - Kennett Square, PA
Kennett Area Community Service is a life sustaining organization that provides essential services to our neighbors in need. Read More »
Mission: Strengthening the community in Southern Chester County through food, housing and crisis services.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Receiving and sorting food takes place every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Garden Township Building located at 299 Starr Road in Landenberg. Food Distribution takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays at the Food Cupboard located at 136 W. Cedar St. in Kennett Square. Food distribution preparations occur on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Cupboard.
How to Donate: Donations can be made on the organization's website or by check made payable to Kennett Area Community Service and mailed to 136 W. Cedar St. or PO Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Receiving and sorting food takes place every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Garden Township Building located at 299 Starr Road in Landenberg. Food Distribution takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays at the Food Cupboard located at 136 W. Cedar St. in Kennett Square. Food distribution preparations occur on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Cupboard.
How to Donate: Donations can be made on the organization's website or by check made payable to Kennett Area Community Service and mailed to 136 W. Cedar St. or PO Box 1025, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit Kennett Area Community Services' website.
Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center - Oxford, PA
Neighborhood Services Center is a private, non-profit organization concerned with assisting people in the Oxford Area and local communities to achieve health, wholeness and stability in t... Read More »
Mission: To empower people experiencing a crisis or sudden hardship by providing direct assistance and/or connecting them to available resources.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Most recently, volunteers have helped hand out food and helped with rent and utilities for those impacted by COVID-19. Inquire about the timeliest opportunities at the organization's website.
How to Donate: Your gift helps NSC meet needs as they arise in the community: $500 would supplement a family’s monthly rental cost; $300 can arrange for emergency heating fuel for a family; $100 allows us to supplement an individual's monthly utility costs; $50 helps buy food for our Food Cupboard; $25 supplements an individual's co-pay for a prescription. Visit the organization's website to donate via PayPal.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Most recently, volunteers have helped hand out food and helped with rent and utilities for those impacted by COVID-19. Inquire about the timeliest opportunities at the organization's website.
How to Donate: Your gift helps NSC meet needs as they arise in the community: $500 would supplement a family’s monthly rental cost; $300 can arrange for emergency heating fuel for a family; $100 allows us to supplement an individual's monthly utility costs; $50 helps buy food for our Food Cupboard; $25 supplements an individual's co-pay for a prescription. Visit the organization's website to donate via PayPal.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center's website.
Camp Dreamcatcher - Kennett Square, PA
Year-Round Programs for Children Whose Lives Have Been Touched by HIV/AIDS Read More »
Mission: Camp Dreamcatcher provides safe, therapeutic and educational programs to HIV/AIDS impacted youth and their families.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp made the difficult decision to hold three virtual camp sessions in August 2020. Camp Dreamcatcher’s 25th Anniversary will be celebrated in 2021 in hopes of being able to return to its normal traditions and practices. More details to come on the camp's website.
How to Donate: Camp Dreamcatcher promotes fundraising through various methods, including Facebook Fundraisers, PayPal Giving Fund, AmazonSmile, and EBAY for Charity. For more information, visit its website.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp made the difficult decision to hold three virtual camp sessions in August 2020. Camp Dreamcatcher’s 25th Anniversary will be celebrated in 2021 in hopes of being able to return to its normal traditions and practices. More details to come on the camp's website.
How to Donate: Camp Dreamcatcher promotes fundraising through various methods, including Facebook Fundraisers, PayPal Giving Fund, AmazonSmile, and EBAY for Charity. For more information, visit its website.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit Camp Dreamcatcher's website.
The Lighthouse Youth Center - Oxford, PA
The Lighthouse shines the light and love of Jesus Christ to the Oxford area youth through our staff-directed, volunteer-supported activity center and programs. Read More »
Mission: The Lighthouse shines the light and love of Jesus Christ to the Oxford area youth through our staff-directed, volunteer-supported activity center and programs.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to assist with daily programs, Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers should "have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be a growing disciple of Him. Volunteers will be encouraged to wholeheartedly seek to implement the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ in every experience. Volunteers should also have a sense of calling and appropriate gifts to youth ministry, be able to relate to low-income, at-risk, “unchurched” youth, be willing to make a commitment on a scheduled basis, be capable of completing a Criminal Background Check, be capable of completing a Child Abuse Clearance, and be capable of completing the Lighthouse Youth Center Volunteer Application. To apply, contact the Program and Volunteer Coordinator by visiting the organization's website.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to assist with daily programs, Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers should "have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be a growing disciple of Him. Volunteers will be encouraged to wholeheartedly seek to implement the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ in every experience. Volunteers should also have a sense of calling and appropriate gifts to youth ministry, be able to relate to low-income, at-risk, “unchurched” youth, be willing to make a commitment on a scheduled basis, be capable of completing a Criminal Background Check, be capable of completing a Child Abuse Clearance, and be capable of completing the Lighthouse Youth Center Volunteer Application. To apply, contact the Program and Volunteer Coordinator by visiting the organization's website.
How to Donate: Financial donations can be made online at the organization's website or by mail at Lighthouse Youth Center, PO Box 38, Oxford, PA 19363. Other donations requested include individually wrapped snack donations (eg. fruit cups, granola bars, Gold Fish, etc.), non-perishable food items (eg. mac & cheese, canned corn, ketchup, pancake mix, etc.), paper products, and school supplies.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit The Lighthouse Youth Center's website.
United Way of Southern Chester County - Kennett Square, PA
UWSCC is the largest and most effective fundraiser for health and human services in southern Chester County. Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of our southern Chester County com... Read More »
Mission: To improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power and resources of our community; to provide local non-profit agencies with needed financial, professional, and strategic support; and to ensure that contributions fund programs that effectively move people from crisis to independence.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: You can volunteer at UWSCC or one of Chester County's many nonprofits committed to helping others. Email UWSCC (information on the organization's website) and they will contact you to discuss where you can find the perfect volunteer fit.
How to Donate: There are a plethora of ways to give, many of which can be done via the organization's website. These methods include giving by credit card, giving by cash (check or bank card only), giving securities, leadership giving (compound the value of your contribution and extend a very personal and powerful commitment to our community), planned giving, and/or payroll deduction/company matching.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: You can volunteer at UWSCC or one of Chester County's many nonprofits committed to helping others. Email UWSCC (information on the organization's website) and they will contact you to discuss where you can find the perfect volunteer fit.
How to Donate: There are a plethora of ways to give, many of which can be done via the organization's website. These methods include giving by credit card, giving by cash (check or bank card only), giving securities, leadership giving (compound the value of your contribution and extend a very personal and powerful commitment to our community), planned giving, and/or payroll deduction/company matching.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit The United Way of Southern Chester County's website.
YoungMoms - Kennett Square, PA
YoungMoms inspires and equips young moms to build thriving futures for themselves and their families. We provide supportive services to pregnant and parenting young women ages 21 and youn... Read More »
Mission: To inspire and equip young moms to build thriving futures for themselves and their families. YoungMoms provides supportive services to pregnant and parenting young women ages 21 and younger who live in Southern Chester County.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: From mentoring to tutoring to diaper collections—volunteers and mentors are critical to the success of YoungMoms, allowing it to exponentially expand its impact and effectiveness. Other volunteer opportunities include transportation, child care, the annual Christmas shopping event, meal distribution, enrichment activities, driver's education, and administrative needs.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: From mentoring to tutoring to diaper collections—volunteers and mentors are critical to the success of YoungMoms, allowing it to exponentially expand its impact and effectiveness. Other volunteer opportunities include transportation, child care, the annual Christmas shopping event, meal distribution, enrichment activities, driver's education, and administrative needs.
How to Donate: One hundred percent of YoungMoms’ funding comes from caring individuals, businesses, churches, foundations and the United Way of Southern Chester County. By collaborating with many local organizations, relying heavily on volunteers, and utilizing donated goods and services, YoungMoms is able to do a lot with a little! Donations can be made via PayPal on the organization's website.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit YoungMoms' website.
The Garage Community & Youth Center - West Grove, PA
The Garage is a youth center aimed at empowering youth to pursue their potential through a safe place to build relationships and receive support. Read More »
Mission: To empower youth to pursue their potential academically, relationally, and spiritually.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are the critical piece that allows students to pursue their potential. Your unique experiences, talents and personality unlock students in ways no one else can. It is only with the involvement of volunteers that students receive the individual mentoring that changes their lives or the academic support that makes success in school a possibility. Programs include: after school, boys and girls program, MAPS, fundraising and events, community liaison, drive coordinator, one-time workshop presenter, administrative, and maintenance.
How to Donate: Donations can be made one-time or on a monthly basis via the organization's website. There are also reoccurring supply needs for building maintenance and activities, which are available on the organization's website via Amazon Wishlist.
Common Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are the critical piece that allows students to pursue their potential. Your unique experiences, talents and personality unlock students in ways no one else can. It is only with the involvement of volunteers that students receive the individual mentoring that changes their lives or the academic support that makes success in school a possibility. Programs include: after school, boys and girls program, MAPS, fundraising and events, community liaison, drive coordinator, one-time workshop presenter, administrative, and maintenance.
How to Donate: Donations can be made one-time or on a monthly basis via the organization's website. There are also reoccurring supply needs for building maintenance and activities, which are available on the organization's website via Amazon Wishlist.
In the News in 2020
For more information, visit The Garage Community & Youth Center's website.
Spanish Health Ministry - 205 E State Street, Kennett Square, PA
God's team responding to the physical and spiritual needs of the Hispanic Community in Southern Chester County. Read More »
Mission: The Mission of the Spanish Health Ministry is to respond to the medical needs of Spanish speaking high-risk pregnant women and families of disabled or medically fragile babies and children who live in the Southern Chester County area to develop a relationship with them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Part-time non-Spanish speaking office support due to retirement of long-term volunteers and staff
- Volunteers to provide child care and/or transportation for Friday morning Ladies Bible Study
- Bilingual nurse/medical translator/social worker
- Non-Spanish speaking office volunteer
- Part-time maintenance/building manager for Koinonia House, which was gifted to the Spanish Health Ministry
- Bilingual staff support
How to Donate: Donations can be made via the organization's website.
For more information, visit Spanish Health Ministry's website.
