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The holiday season brings gratitude and cheer, and what better way to celebrate than by giving back to those working to make our community better for everyone?
These nonprofits make an impact all year long, and that wouldn’t be possible without advocates like you. Not only can you support these incredible organizations with a donation, you’ll also find ways to get involved with your time and talents.
ACORN ACRES WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
Founder & Executive Director Betsy Shank, CWR, with Poppy the Groundhog
Acorn Acres specializes in the rehabilitation of squirrels, bunnies, and woodchucks—making sure they get a second chance too.
What They Do
To their wild patients, they offer a proper environment to grow, thrive, and recover with species-specific nutrition, appropriate caging, and veterinary care. To Lancaster County’s human neighbors, they are committed to providing wildlife education. Acorn Acres also offers fun, exciting programs and activities for all ages with live animals at your location. All of their ambassador animals are unable to return to the wild and are permanent residents at Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation.
Get Involved
ANCHOR LANCASTER
Mission
Anchor Lancaster‘s mission is to be a good neighbor by providing a hot breakfast and warm showers every weekday while aiding with other essential needs.
Get Involved
- Volunteer
- Make a donation
- Buy Anchor’s Servants Blend Coffee
- Shop the Amazon Wishlist
- Shop the holiday gift catalog
“Anchor Lancaster has become a constant support in the community, providing a hot breakfast and warm showers five days a week, 52 weeks a year plus offering a winter warming center during the coldest weeks of the year.” – Patty Eastep, Executive Director
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FOOD BANK
By working with more than 1,100 local agencies and programs, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves more than 144,000 people in need each month in 27 central Pennsylvania counties. Mission Fighting hunger, improving lives, strengthening communities
Get Involved
- Donate: Make a one-time or recurring gift. Every dollar counts to help neighbors in need!
- Volunteer: Whether you’re a group or individual, there are many opportunities to volunteer.
- Advocate: Raise your voice to support hunger-relief programs and policies in central Pennsylvania.
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Mission
Empowering Community, Driving Action, and Building Partnership to Eliminate Poverty
Get Involved
CAP transforms generational poverty into economic prosperity so that all can thrive. Join them in building a thriving community and partner with CAP!
FRIENDSHIP HEART GALLERY & STUDIO
Mission
Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio is a Christian ministry cultivating capabilities of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism.
Get Involved
- Visit the Gallery
- Purchase art online
- Host an art exhibit at your business
- Share social media posts
- Attend the annual Art Auction
“It is the greatest blessing to see the positive impact Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio has made in the lives of those placed in our care, and the remarkable impact in the lives of those who have sought an avenue of employment where they can make a difference and serve the Lord while serving others.” — Mary Ellen Farber, Executive Director
GIRLS ON THE RUN
Front row, from left to right: Rahwa Teklai, Karen Michnya, Sophia Gromek, Regan West, Jennie Feliciano, Laila Torres. Back row, from left to right: Ara Rudy, Pree Pree Paw, Matthew Gromek, and Michael Torres
Mission
Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
Get Involved
GOTR is fueled by volunteers!
- Coach: No need to be a runner— just a desire to encourage the next generation
- SoleMates: Train (for any event) with a purpose by raising funds for future Girls on the Run participants
- Outreach: Hundreds of volunteers make GOTR events
HOMEFIELDS
From left to right: Kelly Dennin, Andrew Phillips, Julian Harnish, Linda Strauss, Brad Turner, Christina Waple, and Amanda Wilkins in front of Homefields’ new barn mural.
Mission
Homefields‘ mission is to nurture meaningful experiences that connect people of all abilities to each other and to the land.
Sustain A Farm(er)
Help the Homefields farm team with employment assistance so they can work through the winter months and secure sustainability throughout the 2023 growing season. Ongoing support allows a larger community of individuals who require one-on-one supervision to join in the multiple empowering opportunities 30 years of experience provides.
Get Involved
Volunteers power the farm every day and make it hum. Experience in development, fundraising, and strategic planning will help ensure a solid forecast even if rain doesn’t fall. There are many one-day and ongoing opportunities for individuals and groups to participate at the Farm, “Talks in the Fields,” and Fall events.
LANCASTER CITY ALLIANCE
LCA staff pictured at three local retailers: Purse-N-Ality (left), Truth & Style (center), Best Celebrations & More (right)
Mission
Lancaster City Alliance‘s mission statement is “Lancaster City flourishes and everyone shares in its success.”
Get Involved
- Be an active participant in the community
- Attend public meetings
- Volunteer, shop, and dine locally
- Plant native plants and trees
- Pick up litter
- Love your neighbor
“You’ll find the perfect gift this season at the diverse and exciting shops in Lancaster City. Shop locally and experience the true joy of giving.” – Marshall W. Snively, President
LANCASTER CLEFT PALATE CLINIC
Front row, from left to right: Lexi Stauffer, Team Coordinator; Tony Stauffer, Patient; Liz Prada, Executive Director and Pediatric Dentist. Back row, from left to right: Brittany Bilitzo, Speech Pathologist; and Lisa Schneider, Director of Operations.
The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of infants, children, and adults through comprehensive coordinated treatment of craniofacial conditions resulting from birth defects, trauma, and disease.
Get Involved
- Share awareness that cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects, affecting one in 700 people
- Be kind and accepting to those with facial differences, hearing impairment, and challenges with their speech
- Support Lancaster Cleft Palate’s mission by donating to the clinic
“We are honored to have the support of businesses and community members who help us to fulfill our mission of treating people with craniofacial conditions so that they may live their best lives.”
– Elizabeth Prada, DMD, Executive Director
LANCASTER COUNTY FOOD HUB
The Lancaster County Food Hub knows the face of poverty is changing and expanding. Food insecurity is hard to spot. So are poverty and homelessness. Helping community neighbors meet basic needs for 75 years, the Food Hub is now serving record numbers of people across all of their programs. Please partner with them and help those in need. You may be helping your own neighbor, a coworker, or a friend.
What They Do
110,000 food & clothing recipients
11,000 nights of rest
304 homeless sheltered
1.2 million pounds of food processed
80,000 hours of outreach
90 volunteers
10,000 hours volunteered
Get Involved
LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Rendering of new Lancaster Public Library coming to North Queen Street
Be a part of Lancaster Public Library‘s Next Chapter
FABULAS is a derivative of the Latin word for stories, and a homonym for the word fabulous. By joining the FABULAS Campaign you are helping to provide a FABULAS, 21st century library. Mission Lancaster Public Library inspires, empowers, and strengthens the community by connecting people with information, ideas, and enriching experiences.
FABULAS New Features
- ADA accessible and stroller friendly
- Bright, open, and inviting
- Work rooms for individuals and small groups
- Larger meeting spaces for community organizations
- Comfortable seating areas
- Designated children’s and young adult libraries
- Outdoor book lockers for easy pick-up
- An outdoor terrace overlooking Ewell Plaza
Join the FABULAS Campaign
Limited naming opportunities are available. To make a contribution, call Director of Development Jamie Hall at 717.394.2651 x119 or visit lancasterpubliclibrary.org/fabulas.
“Our new home is designed to honor Lancaster’s past, meet the community’s present needs, and prepare us for the future—allowing children, teens, and adults to connect, discover, and grow for generations to come.” – Lissa Holland, Executive Director
LANCASTER SAFETY COALITION
Mission
Lancaster Safety Coalition‘s mission is to enhance Lancaster’s community safety.
“With a recently upgraded public safety camera system and through the help of our partners, the Lancaster Safety Coalition is producing greater outcomes than at any point in our history. As a unique local nonprofit performing an essential public safety function, we depend upon thoughtful and steadfast supporters who believe in what we can do for Lancaster. Thank you for your belief in LSC and a safer and stronger City of Lancaster.” – Tim Miller, Executive Director
MILAGRO HOUSE
Who They Are
Since 1998, Milagro House has opened its doors to mothers and their children facing homelessness. At Milagro House, women find a safe place to live and receive the tools and resources to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Their vision is to prepare every woman to move from surviving to thriving and to achieve economic sustainability.
What They Do
At the heart of programming is education—the key to economic sustainability. Women work toward their GED or post-secondary credential and are supported by case management, workforce development, life skills workshops, and post-program support. Each woman gets the tools needed to gain independence and build a brighter future for herself and her children.
Get Involved
PET PANTRY
Pet Pantry is the community’s premier resource in animal welfare, ensuring all animals are safe and thriving. Join them as they celebrate 10 years of saving animals.
Celebrating a Decade of Care
- 2011: Pet Pantry of Lancaster County’s pet food assistance program began serving 12 families in need of food resources. Now a decade later, the program provides necessary food security to over 285 families monthly.
- 2013: Pet Pantry launched a lower-cost veterinary program to remove barriers to high-quality veterinary care for families. Today, their spay/ neuter clinics; Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program for feral cats; and vaccine clinics provide care to over 2,000 animals yearly.
- 2014: Pet Pantry moved into their beloved building at 26 Millersville Road in Lancaster and increased their service capacity. During Light the Way, the building will be decorated in thousands of holiday lights in honor of pets and loved ones.
- 2017: Pet Pantry increased their rescue and adoption capabilities by merging with another rescue and creating a holistic adoption program. To date, they’ve found loving furever homes for over 4,079 deserving pets.
- 2022: Pet Pantry launched their community-driven dog foster program to help dogs in need transition into lasting furever homes. In early 2022, they also purchased their building, securing the future of health and services for the most vulnerable animals in the Lancaster area.
POWER PACKS PROJECT
What They Do
Power Packs Project empowers families with education and ingredients to create nutritious weekend meals so their children return to school fed and ready to learn.
How They Do It
Power Packs Project partners with more than 75 local schools in 14 school districts to provide eligible families with healthy weekend meals and nutrition education so families are empowered to make healthy food choices and so children thrive. Recipes, ingredients, and food staples are packed and delivered by volunteers weekly, providing more than 13,000 meals each week to food insecure families in the communities served.
SACA
SACA exists to uplift and restore marginalized communities through human, economic, and social services, while supporting cultural identities. One of the most significant ways they do this is through the Community Meals Program.
COVID-19 escalated food insecurity within the community, and SACA is committed to ensuring those who need food, friendship, and hope have access to basic resources that fulfill these needs. In 2021, the Community Meals Program provided 49,884 meals over 307 days (162 meals per day). And already in 2022, this has risen significantly—since July 2022, SACA’s community meals program has served 10,330 meals over 56 days (184 meals per day).
Mission
SACA uplifts and restores marginalized communities through human, economic, and social services, while supporting cultural identities.
Vision
Communities supported by SACA are all-inclusive, empowered to prosper through sustained social and economic transformation, and the belief that diversity is to be embraced and celebrated.
Get Involved
- Give to SACA during the ExtraGive
- Volunteer with the Community Meal Program
- Learn more about SACA’s other programming
"For many individuals in our community, this is the only hot meal they receive in a day. This program also gives us a touchpoint with at-risk individuals to ensure other basic needs are being met." – Jose R. Lopez, President of SACA and SACA Development
SCHREIBER CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENT
Who They Are
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is a place where heroes are made. They are the only outpatient center of its kind in central Pennsylvania, providing critical physical, occupational, and behavioral therapies to children with special needs, ages birth to 21. Their heroes are the kids and therapists who make amazing strides at Schreiber every day, and the community that supports them.
Get Involved
- Volunteer at numerous events held throughout the year, including Schreiber’s Gala, Golf Classic, Rubber Duckie Race™ & Festival, Softball Weekend, and Ducks & Trucks
- Volunteer time and talents on an event committee
- Donate to the Heroes capital campaign to help meet the costs of the three-story expansion
- Donate to the endowment fund and ensure a sustainable future for Schreiber
“Schreiber exists in our community because of the kindness and generosity of people who value making young lives better and creating a brighter future for everyone.” – James DeBord, President
SWAN
SWAN kids and counselors
Mission
SWAN is a Lancaster-based music and support group for children affected by parental incarceration. The school-aged children in SWAN’s music programs receive free music lessons, ensemble training, performance opportunities, and mentoring from local music teachers.
Get Involved
- Connect: Sign up for their e-newsletter for updates
- Raise funds: Use your talents to raise funds to support
- Shop: Select SWAN as your cause to support through AmazonSmile or CoinUp
- Share with others: Share social media posts and invite friends to events
- Volunteer: Give of your time and talents
- Host an event: Spread the word about their cause
THADDEUS STEVENS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Who They Are
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology provides life-changing educational opportunities that transform the lives of students, their families, communities where they live, and the businesses where they build their careers.
Get Involved
Connect + Engage + Support at stevenscollege.edu/give
UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY
From left to right: Maria Lapp, Director of Finance; Julie Kennedy, Associate Director, Community Initiatives; and Joel Janisewski, Director of Volunteer Center and Community Listening
Mission
United Way‘s mission is to advance the education, economic mobility, and health of the community by mobilizing resources, people, and organizations.
Get Involved
- Host a workplace campaign
- Make a personal donation
- Join a donor network
- Give to United Way of Lancaster County through Amazon Smile
- Promote affordable childcare and early learning opportunities
- Attend ‘Conversations About OUR Community’
- Sign a petition
- Participate at hosted Community Events
- Visit the Get Connected Volunteer Portal
- Join the VITA team as an IRS-certified tax preparer
- Participate in Day of Caring and Jackson Day of Action
“To transform community, you need more positives in the world than negatives. We believe anyone who sees this message can be a part of adding positive transformation to Lancaster when we Live United as we Give, Advocate, and Volunteer for our neighbors in need.” – Kevin Ressler, President & CEO
WATER STREET MISSION
Sandy Gambone, Business Ambassador at Water Street Mission & Casey Tommasi, Director of Business Development at Restoration Relief
Who They Are
In response to Christ’s love, Water Street Mission joins with His mission to walk with neighbors who are experiencing marginalization and poverty, trusting Him to transform lives and restore hope. Annually Water Street Mission serves nearly 1,300 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Lancaster County.
A Profound and Restorative Partnership
Each year, Restoration Relief collects over 6,000 pounds of food and visits over 85 Lancaster County businesses—all to support Water Street Mission’s Rescue Mission Food Drive.
Get Involved
Rescue Mission Food Drive is aiming to collect 100,000 pounds of food between November 1 and December 22. Non-perishable food can be dropped off all over. To donate food or host your own food drive, visit wsm.org/rmfd. Financial donations can also be made at wsm.org/donate.
“Being able to pour the many blessings that we at Restoration Relief were given into others was very important to me. After receiving the vision for a food drive that we could use to bless our community, it immediately made sense to partner with an existing organization that was already doing that great work. That’s how we landed our amazing partnership with Water Street!” – Casey Tommasi, Director of Business Development at Restoration Relief
