Are you looking for a charity to support in your community? One organization that may catch your attention is City Harvest. With a mission to end hunger in New York City, City Harvest has been serving the community for over 35 years. But who is City Harvest? Is it a good charity to donate to? What types of donations do they accept? In this article, we will explore the answers to these questions and more.
Who is City Harvest?
City Harvest is a nonprofit organization based in New York City. Founded in 1982, City Harvest has been working to end hunger by rescuing and delivering food to people in need. The organization collects excess food from restaurants, grocers, and farms, and redistributes it to over 400 soup kitchens, food pantries, and other community organizations throughout the city.
City Harvest has a team of over 100 drivers who collect and deliver food using a fleet of trucks and vans. They also run various programs to teach people about nutrition and cooking and to provide job training for those who have been affected by hunger and poverty.
Is City Harvest a Good Charity to Donate to?
Before you donate to any charity, it’s important to research the organization and ensure that your donation will be put to good use. In the case of City Harvest, the organization has a proven track record of making a difference in the community. In 2020 alone, City Harvest rescued and delivered over 70 million pounds of food, helping to feed over 1.3 million people in New York City.
City Harvest has also been recognized for its transparency and accountability. The organization has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a nonprofit that evaluates charities based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency.
What Types of Donations Does City Harvest Accept?
City Harvest accepts various types of donations, including:
Monetary Donations
One of the most straightforward ways to support City Harvest is by making a monetary donation. You can donate online through their website, or by mailing a check to their office. City Harvest also accepts donations of stock and securities.
Food Donations
City Harvest accepts donations of non-perishable food items, as well as fresh produce, dairy products, and meat. If you are a restaurant, grocery store, or farm, you can contact City Harvest to arrange for a food donation pick-up.
Volunteer Time
City Harvest relies on volunteers to help sort and distribute food, as well as to assist with events and fundraising. You can sign up to volunteer on their website.
In-Kind Donations
City Harvest also accepts in-kind donations, such as office supplies, equipment, and vehicles.
Benefits of Donating to City Harvest
There are many benefits to donating to City Harvest. Here are just a few:
Making a Difference in Your Community
By donating to City Harvest, you can help to end hunger in New York City and make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to access food.
Tax Benefits
City Harvest is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means that your donation is tax-deductible.
Corporate Partnerships
If you are a business owner, partnering with City Harvest can help you to demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and give back to the community.
How to Donate to City Harvest
If you are interested in donating to City Harvest, there are several ways to do so.
Online Donations
One of the most convenient ways to donate to City Harvest is through their website. You can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation to support the organization on an ongoing basis. City Harvest accepts all major credit cards, as well as PayPal.
Mail-In Donations
If you prefer to donate by mail, you can send a check to City Harvest’s office at the following address:
City Harvest 6 East 32nd Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10016
Donating Food
If you are interested in donating food to City Harvest, you can contact the organization to arrange for a pick-up. City Harvest accepts donations of non-perishable food items, as well as fresh produce, dairy products, and meat.
Corporate Giving
If you are a business owner or representative, you can explore corporate giving options with City Harvest. The organization offers various partnership opportunities for companies looking to support their mission and make a positive impact in the community.
Where to Donate for City Harvest
In addition to donating directly to City Harvest, there are several other ways to support the organization and help raise funds. Here are a few:
Virtual Food Drives
City Harvest offers virtual food drives, which allow individuals and organizations to set up fundraising pages and encourage their networks to make donations. These campaigns can be customized with a specific goal and message.
Events
City Harvest hosts various fundraising events throughout the year, including their annual gala and auctions. You can check their website for upcoming events and information on how to purchase tickets.
Matching Gifts
If your employer offers a matching gift program, you may be able to double your impact by making a donation to City Harvest and having your company match it.
What Percentage of Donations Go to City Harvest?
When you donate to any charity, it’s important to understand how your donation will be used and how much of it will go directly to the cause. According to City Harvest’s 2020 Annual Report, approximately 85 cents of every dollar donated goes towards their programs and services. The remaining 15 cents goes towards fundraising and administration.
How to Cancel City Harvest Donation
If you need to cancel a donation you made to City Harvest, you can contact the organization directly by phone or email. You may need to provide some information, such as your name and the date of your donation, in order to cancel the payment.
Conclusion
City Harvest is a reputable and impactful organization that has been making a difference in the fight against hunger in New York City for over 35 years. By donating to City Harvest, you can help to support their mission and make a positive impact in your community. Whether you choose to donate money, food, or your time, your contribution can help to ensure that no one goes hungry in New York City.
FAQs
Is City Harvest a legitimate charity?
Yes, City Harvest is a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving the community since 1982. They are registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service, and they are required to submit annual financial reports and audits to maintain their nonprofit status.
How much of my donation to City Harvest will go towards their programs and services?
According to their 2020 Annual Report, approximately 85 cents of every dollar donated goes towards City Harvest’s programs and services. This means that the majority of your donation will directly support their mission to rescue and deliver food to New Yorkers in need.
Can I donate fresh produce to City Harvest?
Yes, City Harvest accepts donations of fresh produce, as well as non-perishable food items, dairy products, and meat. If you have excess produce from your garden or farm, you can contact City Harvest to arrange for a pick-up or drop-off at one of their locations.
How can I volunteer with City Harvest?
You can sign up to volunteer with City Harvest on their website. They offer various opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved, including food rescue shifts, repacking sessions, and special events. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and some activities may have specific requirements or qualifications.
How do I cancel a donation I made to City Harvest?
If you need to cancel a donation you made to City Harvest, you can contact the organization directly by phone or email. You may need to provide some information, such as your name and the date of your donation, in order to cancel the payment. City Harvest values transparency and accountability, so they are committed to working with donors to resolve any issues or concerns.
