Virtual Give More 24! set for Sept. 24

Regional day of giving Give More 24! takes place Sept. 24 and carries with it more urgency this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, the host and marketing power behind the day, set a goal of raising $2 million online for local charities in a 24-hour span. Last year, 4,397 donors raised nearly $1.7 million.

More than 215 nonprofit groups serving Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties are participating this year, representing a 25 percent bump in participation. The Community Foundation attributes this to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The ongoing health emergency and resulting economic downturn has caused many nonprofits to feel the pinch of revenue shortfalls and increasing community needs,” the foundation said in a news release. As a result, registration fees are waived this year.

“Community and compassion are the best antidotes for the loneliness and fear many of us are feeling,” Jennifer Rhoads, president of the foundation, said in a news release. “This event helps spread those good vibes. It empowers us to find, support and amplify good things happening in our communities.”

The virtual fundraising event takes place at givemore24.org where people can donate to and promote charitable causes. People can also prepare for the day by setting up a calendar reminder, signing up for tips and updates, discovering nonprofits to support, fundraising for a favorite cause and following Give More 24! on social media.