WCCF to hold second annual Day of Giving
Sept. 10 could possible create a lasting effect throughout Washington County.
The Washington County Community Foundation will hold its second annual Day of Giving Wednesday. WCCF President and Chief Executive Officer Betsie Trew is hoping to surpass the $400,000 raised during the 12-hour campaign last year.
“It went so well last year,” Trew said. “I’m hopeful we’ll see bigger numbers this year. Charities need money to operate.”
New to this year’s campaign are check contributions. Last year, Trew said the campaign was Internet only, which deterred a lot of individuals from donating.
“Online giving is the modern way to give. The younger generations do everything online,” she said. “But there were existing donors who wanted to participate, but didn’t want to put their information online.”
The addition is being well-received. Trew said people are already taking advantage of the check contribution.
“We received quite a few so far,” she said.
Check contributions must be received by Sept. 10 and can be hand-delivered or mailed to WCCF, 331 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301. The minimum gift allowed is $25, and donors can give to the charities of their choosing.
Contributions received after Sept. 10 will not be eligible for the $100,000 bonus pool, which enhances gifts to the organizations. The more money a charity raises, the more money it will receive from the bonus pool.
Trew said online donations can be made the day of the campaign from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donations can be made at www.wccfgives.org.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Executive Director Scott Becker, said the Day of Giving is “huge” for local charities. Last year’s donations to the museum came in right under $30,000.
“We have expenses that need to be paid for outside of admission,” Becker said. “We were able to purchase new radios for communication as a result.”
While WCCF runs the campaign, it is up to the individual charities to promote it. Becker said the museum sent letters and emails to members and past donors reminding them about the Day of Giving. The museum has also promoted the campaign on its social media pages.
Jackie Wright, the digital services manager at Citizens Library, also used social media to promote the campaign. The library received over $6,000 last year, and already received a $1,000 this year after winning a pre-campaign contest. Wright said the money will go toward purchasing a new computer for patrons’ use.
Both Wright and Becker are hoping for another generous day.
“In a perfect world, we would be able to top last year,” Becker said. “We would be very happy if that could happen.”