The drawing for $5,000 went to Toys for Christmas during the 2023 Community Nonprofit Forum.
At the annual CCDC Community Nonprofit Forum, held on November 13th, local organizations gathered to present their programs and discuss strategies and ideas on how to collaborate and enhance the efforts each group provides to the community. As part of the event, a drawing was held for a donation of $5,000 from the CCDC to one of the participating nonprofits. Just in time for the holidays, the organization name drawn for 2023 award was Clarke County’s Toys for Christmas.
“We couldn’t have been happier for Dianne and the Toys for Christmas organization,” said Elizabeth Simpson, Program Director for the CCDC. “This year has been particularly trying for many local families. Everyone in the room was overjoyed when they were chosen. Several people in the room were in tears from the announcement.”
The Toys for Christmas organization are a 501c3 organization that provides Christmas gifts, clothing, and more to children and families across Clarke County who may find themselves in need of support for the holidays. The $5,000 influx to the organization couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Dianne Riley, the organization’s Director, enrollment for the Christmas gift program has swelled to more than 140 Clarke County families, and they continue to receive requests from families for consideration daily. Volunteers and donations are still welcome and encouraged to help them meet the recent increase.
“Our volunteers are wrapping donated presents and taking shifts to make sure no family goes without this Christmas,” said Riley. “The award will go a long way to making a lot of our children smile this season.”
While the CCDC Community Nonprofit Forum has been an annual event for a decade, the drawing for the $5,000 was started in 2022 with the initial award going to the Friends of Clarke County Conservation. With their awarded funds, the organization moved to establish a new education center at East Lake Park and is close to completion with a new building and center for the public to utilize.
The goal for the Community Nonprofit Forum event is to provide an opportunity for Clark County 501c3 organizations to discuss their mission, vision, and strategies to serve the Clarke County community. With multiple nonprofits gathering for the annual event directors can see where each can help fulfill the missions of others and possibly enhance the service they all provide to the county.
“This has been an inspiring annual event,” said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. “By offering the $5,000 drawing each year, we hope to increase the impact these generous organizations have on our community.”
If you’d like more information about the annual Community Nonprofit Forum, please contact Elizabeth Simpson, Program Director at the Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington Street, Osceola, IA 50213, PHONE: phone: (641) 342-2944