News from the Noteworthy from Opportunities for Otsego

It’s a Good Time To Ask, ‘How Can I Help?’

As many of you know, we are in the midst of a government shutdown. Regardless of your political affiliation, the impact is felt far and wide, particularly by local nonprofits. Many of these organizations are heavily funded by federal and state sources to do the work that they do in order to deliver essential services throughout our community. While each will uniquely grapple with the impact of the government shutdown, there is one commonality; each one of them can use your help.

Each of us have causes that tug at our hearts, or principles we support, or organizations that have helped us in our time of need. Whether it is Opportunities for Otsego, veterans’ organizations, end-of-life care, your local school, family services, Greek life, animals, the arts, children’s organizations, your church or anything else that you are passionate about, I implore you to consider reaching out to these local organizations and asking how you can help continue their mission.

Many will lack operational funding to run their organizations or have access to their grant funds, have grant awards cut, or have those funds completely eliminated, which will no doubt impact the services they offer. That said, if you are in the financial position to do so and can make a monetary donation, they would be grateful. It will help offset the losses they are already experiencing and give them flexibility in this unprecedented time.

There are numerous other ways to assist, though. Volunteering is another great way to contribute to nonprofit organizations. Most organizations have had to downsize their teams over the years in order to manage their budgets as prices increased and funding was stagnant or cut. Yet, most of that work does not go away, it’s just absorbed by the staff members that remain. Many local nonprofits also cannot offer wages that are competitive with private organizations and have vacancies that are unfilled. Additionally, passionate individuals or those with professional expertise are always a great asset to organizations by serving as board members. Volunteering your time can be instrumental in assisting an organization as it works to stay afloat during this uncertainty.

Donating items can also be a great boost to an organization. Food insecurity is rampant throughout the county and local food banks can always use food donations to help our neighbors. OFO is always accepting blankets, snacks, clothing and school supplies, toiletries, etc., that are used to help assist clients in need. Many organizations have lists of items they are in need of on their websites, and most use social media, such as Facebook, to communicate with the community. Take some time to explore your favorite nonprofit organization’s website, and follow and like them on Facebook to get other specific ideas of what the organization can use.

Also, rest assured, local nonprofit staff and leaders are very resourceful. For example, if OFO received a call to ask if we could use a donated item such as a wheelchair, and there was another local agency that could benefit from that donation based on their mission, such as Helios or a veteran’s organization, we would communicate that to the donor and put them in contact with the organization. I know other organizations reciprocate that to us as well.

Don’t take for granted that all nonprofits will weather the storm. We each have the opportunity to impact change, whether it be big or small. I encourage you to get involved and contact Opportunities for Otsego or other local nonprofit organizations and simply ask, how can I help?

Tanya Shalor is the chief executive officer of Opportunities for Otsego.