$20 on the 20th could help nonprofits, too
WHAT'S $20 ON THE 20TH?
It's a fun, local economic stimulus plan. The idea is that local residents spend $20 they wouldn't have otherwise spent on local goods or services on July 20.
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Yumans looking to make a little more impact with their $20 on July 20 can help by buying from local businesses and giving to local nonprofit agencies.
It's a win-win situation.
The retailer benefits by the extra sale he or she might not normally have, and the local nonprofit receives a much-needed donation during the slower summer months.
Many local nonprofits are suffering from a decrease in donations due to the downturn in the economy, which, combined with increased demand for services, hurts the nonprofits even more.
If Yumans spend $20 on July 20, they'll help the local nonprofits provide much-needed services in Yuma County.
If you don't have a favorite nonprofit in mind, here are some suggestions to get you started:
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Adult Literacy Plus
Help Yumans read by donating to Adult Literacy Plus. Stock up on $20 worth of books at local businesses such as the Book Nook and the Corner Book Shop to donate.
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Any local nonprofit
Any nonprofit can use some help with their promotional services or supplies it could use for fundraising. Local businesses such as Sun Graphics and/or Yuma Copiers could help provide services such as making fliers for the nonprofit. Or, by spending $20 at a local business such as Jeanie's Party and Costume, Yumans could help provide nonprofits with supplies they need to help throw fundraisers.
Also, a clothing store such as Allstar Apparel could help provide a local nonprofit with clothing.
There are many local nonprofits that could always use food. Like many nonprofits, the Yuma Community Food Bank is facing increased demand for services and decrease in donations. By donating nonperishable, canned goods, produce and/or dry goods, Yumans can help the food bank meet its goal during the Stock Our Shelves Campaign by spending $20 on July 20 at businesses such as Green Trees Grocery Outlet or other stores.
Local businesses such as Carla Renee, Ciao Bella, Daybreakers Cafe, Don Quijote, Esther's Good Eats or Los Roys Butcher Shop can help provide prepared meals to other local nonprofits.
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Crossroads Mission
Crossroads could always use some extra help with all it does. Yumans could buy $20 worth of clothing, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks and underclothes. Representatives at the shelter say those items are always needed.
Humane Society of Yuma
The Humane Society always needs some assistance. Yumans can help out by purchasing materials from Plaza Paint Store and/or Concrete 2 Go. The shelter could paint and make repairs with the supplies.
Or spend $20 at the Humane Society thrift store.
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YRMC School Supply Drive
Help out local students by donating to YRMC's school supply drive. Purchase backpacks at Sharky's Backpacks and Luggage to donate to the drive. Or pick up other school supplies such as pencils, copy paper and/or crayons to donate to the drive.
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No matter which nonprofit Yumans choose, spending $20 on July 20 and donating goods and/or services to one can help them out during the tough times, and with extra support, they'll be able to help provide more services in Yuma County.
Some donations may be tax-deductible, so Yumans may be able to use the donation as deduction.
Jeffrey Polston, partner with Misenhimer, Aivazian & Tennant CPAs, said donations are eligible if the nonprofit is a qualified 501C3, and churches automatically qualify. The organization usually offers a letter of acknowledgment if the donation is more than $250, he said. Or a donor can ask for a receipt.
For more ideas on how to spend $20 to help local nonprofits, check out the special advertising section of the Yuma Sun this Friday and Monday to view ads from participating local businesses.
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Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.
