As part of #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is launching a fundraising campaign to help ensure its ability to continue providing lifechanging programming for local girls.
The organization is seeking support in three areas: to provide scholarships for program participants; to help cover operating expenses; and to bring enriching, STEM-related experiences to local girls’ homes amid school and after-school program closures.
As part of its Kits 4 Kids campaign, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, in collaboration with the Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD), is working to provide members with educational kits that feature hands-on learning activities.
“We have remained committed to providing the Girls Inc. experience to our girls in new and exciting ways during these challenging times,” said Jamie Collins, Girls of Carpinteria executive director. “Now more than ever, youth need access to engaging experiences that help spark their creativity and ignite their potential.
“Our staff is working diligently, in partnership with the school district, to ensure as many students as possible can receive these materials. We thank the community and all our supporters for helping us continue to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”
Through Kits 4 Kids, individuals can donate specifically to support the nonprofit’s efforts to bring science, technology, engineering and math into every member’s home. The crates will be dropped off individually by Girls Inc. Carpinteria staff.
In addition to the STEM kits, funds raised from the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign will go toward scholarships and helping with bills and expenses for the nonprofit’s Carpinteria campus.
Due to safety concerns caused by COVID-19, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria cancelled its spring fundraiser, which raises critical funds for the organization.
Following program and campus closures, the staff have continued to support members remotely through wellness sessions, virtual workouts, daily STEAM content via its YouTube channel, daily read-a-louds on Facebook, virtual academic support, virtual hangouts, delivery of supplies and books.
“We know when we reopen our doors the need will only increase,” Collins said. “Every dollar raised will go toward providing scholarships to our members, STEM kits for current participants, and to keeping our lights on so when the time comes, we can be ready to open and do what we do best: change lives.”
#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is set to spark an increase in grassroots generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits.
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has set a goal of $25,000 for its campaign. To donate or learn more, click here (or visit girlsinc-carp.org). Girls Inc. of Carpinteria currently serves more than 1,100 youth in the Carpinteria Valley and Ventura Country. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.