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    Your 2020 Non-Profit Giving Guide

    What if you could be part of something extraordinary?

     

    The holiday season brings magic to the air, cozy nights, fond memories, and a special attention to the rich tapestry of support that is woven into our community.

     

    One of the many amazing attributes of the people of West Chester is their ability to lift each other up, assist neighbors in need, and open their hearts to causes that are bigger than themselves.

     

    Explore non-profit organizations that bring creativity, vitality, and care to people across our community all year long.

    Give the gift of art!

     

    Treat someone to the gift of art a unique, hand-made item from the ShopArt gift stores, a gift certificate for a workshop or summer art camp, or enroll an artist you admire in our ‘Business of Art’ lecture series. CCAA encourages creative thinking and fosters personal expression; their fine arts/fine craft classes and workshops teach everything from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques.

     

    CCAA also provides creative spaces for special occasions, and supports artists through more than 50 annual art exhibitions. CCAA programs are for everyone join them for an inspirational art exhibit, take a sampler class to find your passion, and nurture your inner Michelangelo!

     

    West Chester Shop Art Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am – 5pm

    Exton Shop Art Hours: Thursday-Sunday, call for holiday hours.

     

    Art Exhibits

     

    December 7 – January 3

    Reception December 12 Kathryn Noska + $300 & Under Juried Group Show December 7 Holiday Open House

     

    January 9 – February 6

    Reception January 9 Thinking in Reverse: Printmaking Invitational + All Things in Motion Non-juried group show

     

    January 15 – March 25

    Reception January 15 PSU Great Valley: Fresh Perspectives from CCAA Artists

     

    What if your purchase of original art also helped a local student offset their college education costs?

     

    Mission | The Art Trust supports and cultivates the exploration of a contemporary aesthetic for the benefit of artists and the community. Through the support of Meridian Bank, 100% of net proceeds from art purchases go directly to art scholarships & sponsorships.

     

    Action Plan | Give the gift of original art this season. Visit the Gifted Exhibit, featuring 15 local artists, running November 13 through January 10. Complete your holiday shopping and do good at the same time.

     

    What if you could remove a barrier that has left a family on the brink of homelessness?

     

    Act in Faith of Greater West Chester

     

    Mission | To build a community that empowers the un-and under-employed to stabilize their households and build toward self-sustainability.

     

    Action Plan | Follow them on Facebook or Instagram and share their posts! Donations can be made at ACT in Faith of Greater West Chester by calling 484.324.8492 or at actinfaithgwc.org.

     

    What if you could support a thriving community theater?

     

    Mission | Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society brings British humor to life inclusively providing an opportunity for amateurs to enjoy and participate in the many aspects of theater to bring the community together through their Annual British Panto and many other performances.

     

    Action Plan | To donate, visit callkats.org/donations

     

    What if you could preserve Southern Chester County’s way of life through open space?

     

    The Land Conservancy

     

    Mission | Protect open space and natural resources. Restore native habitat and wildlife corridors. Engage area residents via environmental education to further protect our health and quality of life. Support TLC’s efforts to ensure our open space and beautiful natural resources in the Southern Chester County Region is left as a legacy for future generations.

     

    Action Plan | Support us today to help create more usable open space, establish larger habitat corridors, and produce new educational programs. TLCforSCC.org/

     

    What if you could prevent homelessness for women and children in your community?

     

    Mission | Home of the Sparrow’s mission is to partner with women facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability, and chart new paths for their futures.

     

    Action Plan | Donate a gift card for Target, Walmart, Giant, and Wawa/gas cards to help a woman stretch her limited budget. To donate gifts, contact Kathleen Sanger at 610-647-4940 and ksanger@homeofthesparrow.org. For volunteering and contributing goods, please contact Ashley Smith at 610-647-4940 and asmith@homeofthesparrow.org.

     

    What if you could make children smile by sending them to a Summer Enrichment Camp?

     

    Mission | Chester County Night School provides quality opportunities for lifelong learning such as classes in robotics, cooking, the arts, and more, to the residents of Chester County and surrounding communities. They offer check it out, a year-round children’s after-school enrichment program and summer camp.

     

    Action Plan | Enrich a child’s summer by donating an after-school or summer camp tuition. Donations to the Lois Morris Foundation can be made by mailing a check or through the website. Visit chestercountynightschool.org and click the Donate link. Don’t forget to “like” them on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

     

    What if you could make a difference in the lives of homeless families?

     

    Mission | Bridge of Hope engages Christian faith communities in ending family homelessness through neighboring relationships that demonstrate Christ’s love.

     

    Action Plan | Neighboring volunteers and financial support are welcomed to end family homelessness. Visit bridgeofhopeinc.org to give or to learn more. Their mailing address is PO Box 304, Exton, PA 19341.

     

    What if you had the opportunity to impact someone’s life in your community?

     

    Mission | To promote community partnerships by providing a ministry of presence and spiritual support in the community that it serves. The Care Center Foundation empowers those who give and those who receive.

     

    Action Plan | The Care Center Foundation welcomes volunteers through the year to help with their events. Donations to the Care Center Foundation can be made by mailing a check or through their website, just go to carecenterfoundation.org and click the donate tab.