Here’s how to help Centre County nonprofits this holiday season
The CDT asked local nonprofits and human service agencies to share their needs this holiday season. Sixteen responded and their answers can be found below. Many grappled with rising costs this year along with growing demand for services. Some groups are most in need of financial support, while others would appreciate donations of specific items.
Read on to find out what these groups do for the community, the challenges they’ve dealt with in 2022, what they need and how to help.
Team Ream Foundation
P.O. Box 462, Boalsburg, PA 16827
Website: teamream.org | Facebook: Team Ream Foundation | Twitter/Instagram: @goteamream
Serving the community: We provide assistance to financially disadvantaged families battling cancer in Centre County.
Biggest need: Continuing to raise funds to provide help to those unable to pay medical and household bills due to their medical issues.
How to help: Head to our website to donate, purchase men’s basketball tickets to the Feb. 26 game through our website to benefit Team Ream Day, follow us on social media and spread the word.
Mid-State Literacy Council Inc.
248 E. Calder Way, Suite 307, State College, PA 16801
Website: mid-stateliteracycouncil.org
Serving the community: Mid-State Literacy Council serves the community by providing adult literacy instruction, both one-to-one and in small classes. Adults learn reading, math, digital literacy, English, writing, health literacy information. With their new skills adults can read to their children, obtain employment, understand prescription labels and achieve their goals.
Biggest challenge this year: To meet the literacy needs in our community, Mid-State Literacy Council has continually trained new volunteers to teach and supported new volunteers to provide high quality instruction. Additional volunteers are needed to help adults learn basic technology skills.
Biggest need: The biggest need is for funds in order to purchase high quality instructional books and materials as the adult literacy program continues to expand to help people gain literacy skills.
Other needs: Bookcase that can withstand heavy weight, mobile whiteboard and portable travel projector
How to help: Contact Executive Director Amy Wilson, executive director, at awilson@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org or 814-238-1809.
Centre Safe
140 W. Nittany Ave., State College, PA 16801
Website: centresafe.org | Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @centresafe
Serving the community: It is the mission of Centre Safe to empower survivors of sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking and to work toward the elimination of such violence. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal services, counseling, advocacy, outreach/education, and more.
Biggest challenge this year: Like other nonprofits, we have strived to maintain and grow services. Challenges have included balancing growth with sustainability and navigating staff turnover.
Biggest need: Since our shelter/housing services have greatly expanded we have increased needs to support our clients. The full list of needed items is at: centresafe.org/get-involved/needed-items/
Other needs: Gift cards, bus tokens and cleaning items
How to help: Contact Jennifer Pencek, executive director, at jpencek@centresafe.org or 814-238-7066.
Bucktail Council, BSA
209 First St., DuBois, PA 15801 (serving these counties: Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson and the western portion of Centre)
Website: bucktail.org | Facebook: Bucktail Council, Boy Scouts of America
Serving the community: Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Bucktail Council also provides more than $250,000 worth of service projects to local communities throughout the council.
Biggest challenge this year: With families having less discretionary money due to inflation and gas prices, fewer families are joining the Scouting program or having enough money to send their sons and daughters to summer camp. Scouting serves youth from kindergarten to age 20.
Biggest need: Our biggest need is helping struggling families with financial assistance to join the Scouting program and to provide financial assistance to help them get to summer camp.
Other needs: Camp Mountain Run is a 380 acre, coed training facility that operates year-round. Camp Mountain Run is a key component to help the Bucktail Council fulfill the mission. This facility is in need of cleaning supplies and paper products to serve the thousands of youth and adults who attend training programs, activities and summer camping programs on an annual basis.
How to help: Donations can be made by going to www.bucktail.org and clicking on “Donate” at the top. You can also contact Gregg Bennett at gregg.bennett@scouting.org or 814-590-1376.
Interfaith Human Services
251 Easterly Parkway, Suite 200, State College, PA 16801
Website: interfaithhumanservices.org
Serving the community: IHS offers Financial Protection for vulnerable people, Centre County Fuel Bank, Low-income Free Furniture and Appliance program, and Emergency Vehicle Repair for low-income people needing their vehicle to maintain employment.
Biggest challenge this year: The economic impact on giving.
Biggest need: Financial support
Other needs: Financial gifts, Wishing Well volunteers through Dec. 23 and first class postage stamps
How to help: Email info@interfaithhumanservices.org
Coaches vs Cancer of Penn State
American Cancer Society — local mailing address: 754 Big Hollow Road, State College, PA 16801
Website: cvcpennstate.org | Facebook/Twitter: @CVCPennState
Serving the community: Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State has raised $3.6 million since our mission began in 1995. Through our unique partnership with the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, both organizations have supported numerous individuals and families from the area who have been affected by cancer. CvC Penn State has provided BPCAF with over $555,000 in grants since 2006. Each year nearly 700 Centre County and 350 Mifflin County residents are diagnosed with cancer. Funds raised through Coaches vs Cancer help provide transportation, lodging and cancer information and support to those in our community.
Biggest need: Donations toward our Coach’s Challenge currently taking place: https://bit.ly/3VFuTKB, We are also always looking for ways to partner with area businesses whether that be through sponsorship opportunities at one of our many events (26th Annual Golf Tournament, Race Day Soiree, Reverse Car Drawing, 5K), or hosting a fundraiser.
How to help: Contact Alyssa Shaubach, American Cancer Society development manager, at alyssa.shaubach@cancer.org
State College Food Bank
1321 S. Atherton St., State College, PA 16801
Website: scfoodbank.org
Serving the community: The State College Food Bank provides food security, directly or indirectly, to people in Centre County.
Biggest challenge this year: Just like so many people in our community, the Food Bank has been impacted by rising food costs. The number of individuals we are serving has increased over the course of this year, and the cost to keep our pantry full continues to rise.
Biggest need: It is very helpful when people bring us items off our Current Needs List — that can be found on our website, scfoodbank.org. Every donation, large or small, helps more than ever this year.
How to help: Contact the State College Food Bank at 814-234-2310 or email info@scfoodbank.org
Discovery Space
1224 N. Atherton St., State College, PA 16803
Website: DiscoverySpace.org | Facebook: @DiscoverySpaceofCentralPA
Serving the community: Provide hands-on STEM experiences for children and families in our exhibit floor, summer camps, marine life center, birthday parties and more.
Biggest challenge this year: The rising costs of materials and transportation.
Biggest need: To get back on the list of regular activities that families do together weekly or monthly.
Other needs: 15 new or gently used cubicles; volunteers to help plan and support fun STEM-themed adult events
How to help: Visit or go to our website to buy/renew a membership for your family and gift a membership to another family. All memberships are on sale now. Contact FrontDesk@DiscoverySpace.org for everything else or with questions.
The Rivet
1224 N. Atherton St., State College, PA 16803
Website: TheRivet.org | Facebook: @TheRivetDS
Serving the community: We are a community workshop that teaches art and trade skills classes for teens and adults. We also provide access to tools that can be used for your own projects and by small businesses. We have a woodshop, small metal shop, pottery studio, laser cutter, 3D printers, jewelry-making tools and more.
Biggest challenge this year: The rising cost of raw materials (wood, etc.) and tools.
Biggest need: Commercial shelving units and ventilated lockers for storage of raw materials and members’ supplies.
Other needs: Refrigerator for our kitchenette; rolling warehouse staircase; sheets of hardwoods and softwoods for laser cutting and woodworking project classes
How to help: Email TheRivet@DiscoverySpace.org
Rhoneymeade Inc.
177 Rimmey Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828
Website: rhoneymeade.org | Facebook: @rhoneymeade | Instagram: @rhoneymeade
Serving the community: Provides the historic Rhoneymeade Farm, the Leonard Rhone House and gardens for public visitation, arts and culture events and volunteer activity.
Biggest challenge this year: The rising costs of supplies, building materials and hardware.
Biggest need: Unexpectedly, we need a new (or good used) heating oil tank for the Leonard Rhone House.
Other needs: Good condition riding mower and push mower for our grounds volunteers.
How to help: Contact James Lesher at 814-571-2401
The Arc of Centre County
171 Technology Drive, Suite 400, Boalsburg, PA 16727
Website: taocc.org | Facebook: The Arc of Centre County
Serving the community: The Arc of Centre County, Pa., Inc. is a nonprofit agency advocacy and service provider organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities in Centre County. We provide 24-hour care community homes, in-home and community supports, and employment services.
Biggest challenge this year: One of our biggest challenges this past year has been the struggle to attract and retain talented employees. We struggle to compete with other for-profit employers in the area who can provide a higher hourly wage.
Biggest need: Donations in order to continue to provide the lifesaving services for those we support, and volunteers to assist in providing those we support with fun, monthly agency events.
Other needs: Partnerships with local businesses for vouchers for goods or services, and partnerships with local businesses or venues for hosting events and fundraisers.
How to help: Contact Bridget Waltz, events and communications at bwaltz@taocc.org or 814-780-8708
State College Community Land Trust
1315 S. Allen St., #306, State College, PA 16801
Website: scclandtrust.org | Facebook: StateCollegeCommunityLandTrust | Instagram: statecollegelandtrust | Twitter: @SCCommLandTrust
Serving the community: We create safe, energy efficient and affordable homeownership opportunities in the Borough of State College for low- and middle-income qualified households.
Biggest challenge this year: With rising interest rates, wage stagnation and an uncertain economy combined with a tight housing market and low starter home stock, 2022 has been a challenging year. Increasing access to affordable housing has never been more urgent.
Biggest need: Funds — We are launching a deep energy retrofit of a 1970s duplex on University Drive. Each unit is slated for sale for about $105,000 to two low-income households (50% area median income or below). This is an ambitious project that offers the opportunity for homeownership to a population that is underserved. As Centre County looks to residential energy efficiency for climate resiliency, we are also using this project as a case study in how to preserve similar aging housing stock in the area for maximum affordability, longevity and climate impact.
Other needs: Modest starter homes for sale in the borough, volunteers and word-of-mouth (let your network know about us).
How to help: Contact 814-867-0656 or director@scclandtrust.org
American Red Cross Mid Central Pennsylvania
328 Innovation Blvd., Suite 212, State College, PA 16803
Website: redcross.org/greaterpa | Facebook: @RedCrossGPA | Twitter: @RedCrossGPA | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/redcrossgpa | Instagram: @redcrossgpa
Serving the community: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
Biggest challenge this year: Throughout 2022, the American Red Cross has continued to adapt services and programs along with the ways that help and support are delivered in times of crisis. These efforts, focused on protecting the health and safety of our workforce and that of those we serve, continues in the face of a global health pandemic and historic natural disasters which are occurring at frequency we’ve never seen before.
Biggest need: As natural disasters and emergencies continue at an ever-increasing pace, more families and communities call upon the American Red Cross. A financial donation of any size provides hope in times of crisis — whether someone needs a safe place to stay after a home fire, a lifesaving blood transfusion, or help contacting a loved one deployed with the military during an emergency, every dollar supports the delivery of help and hope, comfort and care. You can prevent and alleviate suffering by donating at redcross.org/gift. If you’re healthy and feeling well, we also urge you to donate blood this holiday season. In fact, every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs lifesaving blood and your blood donation can make a difference for a patient in need. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment today.
Other needs: Our critical work wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers, and we invite you to join us in delivering care and compassion throughout Centre County. Visit us at www.redcross.org/volunteer to find opportunities right here in Centre County.
How to help: Visit us online or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)
Centre County Library and Historical Museum
203 N. Allegheny St., Bellefonte, PA 16823
Website: centrecountylibrary.org
Serving the community: We provide access to thousands of books — print, audio and digital, access to computing applications and internet connectivity, and support lifelong learning.
Biggest challenge this year: Rising fuel costs for our bookmobile, supply chain issues and staff recruitment.
Biggest need: It’s always a challenge for us to upgrade and replace our aging technology.
Other needs: We could use several new monitors, a small laminator, a small projector and several battery backups.
How to help: Contact Denise Sticha, executive director
Strawberry Fields Inc.
3054 Enterprise Drive, State College, PA 16801
Website: sfionline.org
Serving the community: Founded in Yarnell in 1972, Strawberry Fields Inc. continues our long 50-year history of serving the community by providing quality community-based and residential services to children and adults with disabilities.
Biggest challenge this year: Our biggest challenge was providing quality staffing in our residential programs.
Biggest needs: Plastic storage containers (such as Rubbermaid), queen bed comforter set, plastic storage totes (various sizes), plastic or metal shelving for basements, pots/pans, cups (glass or plastic), tool kit, tablecloth (104x60), storage totes, bath towels and washcloths and tall plastic laundry baskets with lids.
How to help: Contact the Strawberry Fields main office, 814-234-6023-Heather Moore
YSB (Youth Service Bureau)
325 W. Aaron Drive, State College, PA 16803
Website: ccysb.com | Facebook: @ccysb | Instagram: @ysbinfo | Twitter: @ysbinfo
Serving the community: YSB exists to ensure that children, youth and families will have opportunities to reach their true potential for growth and development through their participation in a continuum of services that includes prevention programs, family services and residential homes.
Biggest challenge this year: The biggest challenges that our agency has faced this year are the rising cost of living (for our service recipients as well as our employees), and our growing need for volunteers to help us in our mission — especially in our Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Biggest need: Each year, YSB is faced with the challenge of raising about 15% of our overall operating budget, which amounts to about $630,000 this year. There are many ways that you can join us in making sure that our services remain strong for the kids and families who rely on them all year long. Visit our website at ccysb.com to learn more about how to contribute to our fundraising need.
Other needs: Volunteer mentors in our Big Brothers Big Sisters program., and volunteers who want to share their time or talents with us in other ways. Examples include sharing your skills in helping us tell our story through writing and/or visual design, helping us keep our aging group home and youth center facilities in good repair with your maintenance/general contractor skills, or spending the day with us volunteering your time at one of our upcoming fundraising events.
How to help: Visit ccysb.com, or email our CEO, Christine Bishop, at cbishop@ccysb.com.