Nonprofits are struggling due to the challenging effects of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic - there has been a significant increase in the demand for their services and a simultaneous decrease in both program and fundraising revenue. But despite the uncertainty surrounding these organizations, most are still running vital programs.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is GivingTuesday, a global movement of generosity and collective action. It is not just about fundraising – it is about communities banding together and giving of their time, power, skills, expertise and resources.

Your local organizations need your help. This year on December 1 and throughout the holiday season, consider giving back to your community in a way that is meaningful to you, whether it is through volunteering at a nonprofit or donating to a favorite cause.

“In addition to monetary and volunteer support, in-kind donations are greatly needed as well,” stated Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Organizations are in need of things they never had to think about before – children’s masks, PPE and additional cleaning supplies for example.”

In addition to the items more specific to combating the pandemic, MSCF has created the Community Wish List, a collection of the needs of the nonprofits serving the towns of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. The "wishes" includes small wishes, such as food items, blankets, batteries, etc.; big wishes, such as refrigerators, laptop computers, etc.; and volunteer wishes. You can view it at mainstreetfoundation.org/community-wishlist and contact any organization directly to inquire about their specific needs.

Another way that local residents can support their neighbors for GivingTuesday is by donating to Main Street Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund at mainstreetfoundation.org/covid19-fund. The Fund was established in March and has provided rapid response grants to nonprofits to meet the basic needs of residents, as well as general operating support grants to local organizations. The Foundation will continue COVID-19 response and recovery efforts into 2021 and beyond.

“We invite you to help provide relief to our nonprofits today so we can keep our community strong for tomorrow,” said Sadecki.