Do More 24 campaign breaks donor records

Do More 24 Delaware received donations from over 20,500 individual donors, 3,500 more than the previous year. | COURTESY OF UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE

Do More 24 Delaware held its ninth annual campaign with a record of nearly 20,500 donors and brought in over $2.3 million for more than 500 Delaware nonprofits throughout the state last week. 

The 24-hour campaign is organized by United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact to help nonprofits accelerate their donation goals, raise awareness of their programs, and work with sponsors who provide incentives. Do More 24 Delaware garnered nearly the same amount as the previous year from about 17,000 donors with its record being $2.6 million in 2022. 

“Delaware’s nonprofit organizations serve as the backbone of our communities, bolstering our economy, uplifting individuals, and extending a helping hand to those in need,” said Dan Cruce, chief operating officer of United Way of Delaware.

Nearly 20% of the donations received were from out-of-state contributors. Pennsylvania had the largest number of out-of-state donations at 1,644. 

The Selbyville Public Library collected the highest amount for large nonprofits totaling $57,051 from 82 donors, besting its original goal of $7,000. The donations will be used for the construction of its new $16 million library expected to be open by the fall of this year. 

For the most amount raised by small nonprofits, Shepherd’s Office in Georgetown, an organization that supports the helpless in Sussex County, received $75,145, just shy of its $85,000 goal. The nonprofit had 901 individual donors, the most donations out of large and small nonprofits. 

The funds will be used to support the Shepherd’s Office’s goal of providing over 65,000 free meals in 2024. The nonprofit also won six challenges including the Greater Giving Opening Prize sponsored by Barclays and M&T Bank Get a Zoom Power Hour. 

The Food Bank of Delaware, which recently opened its doors to its new 70,000-square-foot facility, received 312 donations totaling almost $34,000. 

Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky said the donations will support the Backpack Program. The program distributes food year-round to children when school is not in session, on Fridays, or before a long break. 

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and our village really showed up for Do More 24. Our work is not possible without generous supporters who believe in our work. Thanks to so many, we will be able to make sure that more kids in our community have the food they need to live, play, and grow,” Kanefsky said.

Do More 24 Delaware has become a significant day of charitable giving and has a substantial impact on nonprofits for their community outreach. Over the last five years, the day of giving has grown from supporting 100 nonprofits to 500.