Since Jan. 3, 110 Delaware County nonprofits have registered for Delco Gives Day for a chance to reap the benefits of a 24-hour online and in-person giving marathon slated for May 8 and 9.

Delaware County leaders expect to see that number double by the time Delco Gives Day arrives, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

Nonprofits have until April 17 to register and get in on the action.

The 24 hours will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, with Dining Under the Stars in Media, then will continue with a live stream during the day Thursday, May 9, at the Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park, concluding with a celebration event at Rose Tree Park.

On Delco Gives Day, donors can support their favorite non-profits or give to nonprofits that work in fields they care about, like education and youth, the environment, animal welfare, arts and culture, and more.

Every donation made that day will have bonus funding provided by The Foundation for Delaware County, and Delco Gives sponsors that so far include Boeing, Comcast, Haverford Trust, Brinker Simpson, Independence Blue Cross, the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, and the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust.

Similar promotions in three other counties have generated nearly $22 million for nonprofits.  

The event, organized by The Foundation for Delaware County, is more than just nonprofit fundraising, said Frances Sheehan, Foundation president. 

“It’s a countywide celebration of generosity and unity and shared purpose,” she said.

Delco Gives will be one of the largest 24-hour charitable giving events in the Philadelphia region, Sheehan said.

Delaware County has a history of giving, she added.

During the pandemic, 3,000 residents volunteered to join the Delaware County Citizens Corps.

“No other county in Pennsylvania can begin to match that citizen involvement,” she said.

Delco Gives Day has also been enthusiastically embraced by Delaware County Council.

“This just goes to show this is the next step, and it’s just bringing us more together and bringing more funds into the pipeline to support those nonprofits,” County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor said.

County Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer wants Delco Gives Day to be an annual event,  particularly to help smaller nonprofits.

Sheehan described the growth and success of Giving Days as exponential.

 “We look forward to having a profound impact not just this year but in years to come and truly transforming philanthropy in our county,” she said.

Find out more about how donors can make contributions on Delco Gives Day in the Daily Times.