Press Release
OCTOBER 14, 2020

Media Contact
Macy Whitener

mwhitener@arrasfoundation.org

GIVE LOCAL LANCASTER 2020: “SEASON OF GIVING” ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 12

LANCASTER, S.C. – On Monday, The Arras Foundation announced that the community’s annual giving campaign, Give Local Lancaster, will run from Sunday, November 15, 2020 (National Philanthropy Day) to December 1, 2020 (Giving Tuesday).

Give Local Lancaster 2020, originally scheduled for May 5, was postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the Foundation joined with the United Way of Chester County and the United Way of Lancaster County to launch the Catawba Connect COVID-19 Relief Fund on March 20, 2020. To date, Catawba Connect has raised $154,000 to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on area residents through grants, communication, and advocacy. Over 40 volunteers lead the Catawba Connect COVID-19 relief efforts.

Give Local Lancaster is a giving campaign designed to support causes that matter to the people of Fort Lawn, Great Falls, and Lancaster County. Since its launch in 2016, Give Local Lancaster has raised over $614,000 to support over 50 local non-profit organizations each year.

“During this unprecedented year, we are pleased to broaden Give Local Lancaster to focus on the Season of Giving,” said Ashley Collins, Community Engagement Specialist with the Arras Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating the power of philanthropy and partnerships over 17 days this fall – with a special focus on honoring our essential workers.”

Give Local Lancaster partners since 2016 include the City of Lancaster, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, and Partners for Youth of Lancaster County. For the 2020 campaign, November 15 to December 1, the United Way of Lancaster County has joined the effort.

“We are delighted to join the Give Local Lancaster 2020: Season of Giving initiative through the Virtual Week of Caring,” said Amber Jackson, Executive Director, United Way of Lancaster County. “From November 16-21, we will encourage daily small acts of kindness, giving of time and talent to support a local nonprofit organization or a neighbor.”

A unique focus of the 2020 campaign is the chance to donate in honor of an essential worker. “Give Local offers a platform of gratitude and thankfulness to those who have served so selflessly during the public health crisis,” noted Susan DeVenny, President & CEO of the Arras Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating those who serve the community every day.”

For more information about how you can get involved, please see www.GiveLocalLancaster.org

Give Local Lancaster

Launched in 2016 by the Arras Foundation, The City of Lancaster, Lancaster County Community Foundation, and Partners For Youth – Lancaster County, Give Local Lancaster is a giving campaign to support causes that matter to the people of Fort Lawn, Great Falls, and all of Lancaster County. www.GiveLocalLancaster.org

Arras Foundation

Dedicated to the health and wellness of all residents of Lancaster County, Fort Lawn, and Great Falls, SC for 25 years, the Foundation joins with partners to work together so that all people can thrive. www.arrasfoundation.org

The City of Lancaster

The City of Lancaster, also known as the “Red Rose City,” is located in the northcentral part of South Carolina. The City of Lancaster is home to more than 9,100 residents. For the latest news and updates about city government, visit https://www.lancastercitysc.com/.

Lancaster County Community Foundation

Established in 1988 as a permanent endowment, the Lancaster County Community Foundation benefits a wide range of charitable purposes in Lancaster County. As an affiliate of Charlotte-based Foundation For The Carolinas, the Lancaster County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy, increases charitable giving and strengthens the community. For more information please visit www.lancastercounty-cf.org.

Lancaster County Partners For Youth

Partners For Youth is an independent, nonprofit partnership built on the generosity of the community, individuals, businesses, and educational institutions of South Carolina. We strive to enrich Lancaster County by educating every child, empowering every teacher, and elevating every school. https://www.lcpartnersforyouth.org/

United Way of Lancaster County

Our mission is to improve lives by bringing citizens and resources together to identify and respond to human service needs in Lancaster County. www.uwaylcsc.org

Give Local Lancaster:
Season of Giving Activities

October 12
Registration Open for Nonprofit Organizations via www.GiveLocalLancaster.org

October 27
Non-Profit Give Local Lancaster Training Opportunity:
“Final Steps for Success in Give Local Lancaster” hosted by Give Gab
10:00 AM EST

October 29
Non-Profit Give Local Lancaster Training Opportunity:
Making the Most of This Unprecedented Campaign” hosted by Arras Foundation
2:00 PM EST

November 15
National Philanthropy Day – Giving platform opens to donors – www.GiveLocalLancaster.org

November 16-21
Virtual Week of Caring – hosted by United Way of Lancaster County – https://www.uwaylcsc.org/virtual-week-caring

November 23-28
Focus on Giving Thanks for Essential Workers

December 1
GivingTuesday – Last Day of Giving & Online Community Celebration