Local giving calendar spurred December support for Union County charities

The Community Giving Foundation’s December calendar focused local attention on a concentrated period of philanthropic activity, with GivingTuesday on December 2 and the Foundation’s Annual Holiday Party held on December 5 at The Venue at Liberty Valley. The events page listed programming, registration notes, and contact details for reservations and further information, and served as a hub for donors, nonprofit staff, and community partners to engage at the end of the year.

Those gatherings and campaigns matter beyond seasonal cheer. Local nonprofits that serve food security, behavioral health, primary care access, housing support, and other social services often depend on community donations to fill gaps in public programs. Coordinated fundraising and networking events can mobilize volunteers, surface funding priorities, and direct resources to organizations that provide front line health and human services in Bucknell, Lewisburg, and across Union County.

At the same time, reliance on episodic giving highlights systemic inequities in how essential services are financed. Smaller organizations that provide culturally specific care or serve marginalized populations frequently struggle to compete for attention and unrestricted operating funds. Philanthropic calendars and social events can help build relationships, but they do not replace the need for predictable public investment and policies that address disparities in access to care and social supports.

For residents, the Foundation’s December programming offered practical entry points to support local organizations. Donors could register for events, reserve spots for the holiday gathering, and connect directly with nonprofit leaders to learn where donations and volunteer hours would have the most impact. Nonprofit leaders could use the calendar to coordinate outreach, recruit volunteers, and raise visibility for programs that address pressing community health needs.

Looking ahead, community benefit will depend on translating short term generosity into sustained partnerships and advocating for policy changes that stabilize funding for essential services. The Community Giving Foundation’s events page includes programming details, registration notes, and contact information for reservations and further information for anyone in Bucknell, Lewisburg, or Union County who wants to get involved.