Local Nonprofit Challenge Raises $26K to Boost 14 Food Pantries in Washington County Community

MARIETTA – This fall, the Marietta Community Foundation’s annual Nonprofit Challenge brought in a remarkable amount of food and household items to aid 14 food pantries in Washington County.

From October 13 to November 14, the challenge celebrated its 10th anniversary. Twenty-eight nonprofits took part, all rallying around the “Stock the Shelves” theme to combat food insecurity. The Hathaway family generously contributed $26,000 in grant funding to support this effort.

People donated food, baby formula, personal care items, and laundry supplies at the Foundation’s office, which were then sorted at ARC Resin’s warehouse. Community volunteers—including members from the O’Neill Center, WASCO, Blessing Birds, and the Marietta College baseball team—pitching in to help organize these critical supplies.

Each food pantry will receive two deliveries of sorted items in the upcoming weeks, as confirmed by the Foundation.

“The response to this year’s challenge was beyond what we imagined,” said Heather Allender, president and CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. “Our community showed incredible heart and creativity.”

A Nonprofit Open House on November 19 recognized the standout participants. Blessing Birds took first place, earning a $9,000 grant. Following them were Harmar Rowing Club with $7,000 for second place, Kiwanis receiving $4,500 for third, and Belpre Church of the Nazarene and the O’Neill Center with $3,000 and $2,500, respectively.

In addition to their main win, Blessing Birds also clinched both $1,000 “Shelf Surge” mini-challenges, which focused on gathering formula and laundry supplies.

“We are deeply grateful for the support we received,” said Sarah Miller, founder of Blessing Birds. “Our team’s daily goal was clear: to uplift families in need.”

The Foundation plans to coordinate pickup times with the food pantries to kick off the distribution process.

The Marietta Community Foundation oversees nearly 400 funds, having awarded over $34 million in grants and scholarships since its inception. For further details, visit mcfohio.org.

Recent research shows a growing trend in community-driven philanthropic efforts. According to the 2022 Giving USA report, charitable giving in America reached a record high of $471 billion, highlighting the impact of collective community actions like the Nonprofit Challenge. Events like this not only provide immediate assistance but foster long-term connections among community members, empowering them to tackle food insecurity together.

This challenge underscores a vital truth: when communities unite, they can create meaningful change. Let’s keep the momentum going!

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Community News,Nonprofit challenge raises $26K for Washington County community groups, supports 14 food pantriesLocal News,Nonprofit challenge raises $26K for Washington County community groups, supports 14 food pantriesNews,Nonprofit challenge raises $26K for Washington County community groups, supports 14 food pantries