The fifth annual El Pomar Foundation Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund is off and running through Saturday, December 31st. Providing emergency support for everything from rental assistance for persons with disabilities to utility bill payments for families with children, donors have the power to make a difference with a donation to the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund.
Since its inception in 2007, the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund has raised more than $330,000 for local health and human service agencies in Larimer and Weld counties. El Pomar Foundation’s North Regional Council and the United Ways of Larimer and Weld counties cover all administrative costs for the campaign, meaning that every dollar donated goes directly to the recipient organizations. Additionally, El Pomar matches $1 for every $3 raised so that each donation grows by 33 percent. This unique campaign brings everyone together to unite around a single cause: helping our neighbors in need.
Recipient agencies include: Catholic Charities of Larimer County, Catholic Charities of Weld County, Connections for Independent Living, Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, Food Bank for Larimer County, Greeley Transitional House, House of Neighborly Service, and Weld Food Bank. Organizations use their donations to provide emergency support to clients.
This support is even more important in light of the economic climate. According to the Colorado Division of Housing, the average rent cost in Greeley rose 5.1 percent from August 2010 to August 2011 and in Loveland by 11.7 percent. Vacancy rates remain tight, at less than 6.7 percent, throughout northern Colorado. Additionally, statistics released in early November by the Colorado Center for Law and Poverty, reveal that a family of three in Larimer County needs to make $51,435 each year just to sustain itself. The cost of living in northern Colorado has changed the face of poverty.
El Pomar North Regional Council member and CSU Assistant Vice President of Community and Economic Development Kathay Rennels emphasizes the high impact of a gift to NCESF because of the $1 for every $3 match.
“A gift to Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund goes further, honors those doing great work, and helps more people during a time of year that just naturally has a spirit of giving. The match provides an additional gift that a donation to one organization alone would not have,”
To donate, please go to the NCESF website at www.nocoemptystocking.org, mail contributions to P.O. Box 588, Fort Collins, CO 80522 or P.O. Box 534, Greeley, CO 80632, or to donate immediately and securely, click the donation button below:
About the fund:
Since its founding in 2007, the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund has raised over $333,000 to support health and human service agencies in Larimer and Weld County. With matching funds provided by El Pomar Foundation, every dollar grows by 33 percent. United Ways of Larimer and Weld County cover all administrative costs for the campaign, meaning every dollar donated goes directly to the recipient organizations. This year’s recipient agencies include: Catholic Charities of Larimer County, Catholic Charities of Weld County, Connections for Independent Living, Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, Food Bank of Larimer County, Greeley Transitional House, House of Neighborly Service, and Weld Food Bank. For more information, please visit www.nocoemptystocking.org
