(Englewood, New Jersey; November 16, 2017) -- The Community Chest has launched its 2017-2018 Annual Campaign to raise $300,000 for over 20 nonprofit agencies and programs that help people in need in eastern Bergen County. For nearly 85 years, the organization has led initiatives and supported nonprofits to make local communities stronger and benefit people in the area.

The Chest supports area nonprofit organizations addressing a range of issues, including health and mental health, hunger, arts programming, the environment, and volunteerism for approximately 50,000 people. Twenty-three agencies providing social, cultural, recreational, and educational services to local residents in need of all ages received grant awards in 2017.

Increased Need

This year, The Chest received more applications and total requests for support. Agencies encountered increased demands for services for housing, an aging population, mental health, hunger, and education, with several experiencing reduced state and federal funds. The number of single parent households in the area, and the demand for food for families of all sizes has increased. The rapid growth of people over age 65 is creating new demands for assistance. Mental health programs are responding to the escalating call for access to mental health and addiction treatment. Programs are addressing increases in services for the social and emotional development of school-age children.

"The Community Chest is proud to follow in the footsteps of our founders who were committed to helping neighbors in need in difficult times. We welcome new neighbors who wish to share their time, talent and treasure to continue the work that The Chest has been doing for 85 years," said Richard Kennedy, President, The Community Chest's Board of Managers.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them in competitive grants to nonprofit agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. Coordinating and planning services are also provided in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network. The organization's Board of Managers implements a thorough process of screening, research, and monitoring to assure the funds raised are directed to the most worthy programs and the areas of greatest need.

Donate

The public can help meet the increased need and demand for services. Contributions of any size may be made by check to The Community Chest, located at 122 South Van Brunt Street, 2nd Floor, Englewood, NJ 07631. Online donations may be made at www.communitychestofenglewood.org. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. For information, call 201-568-7474 or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About The Community Chest

Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for nearly 85 years. The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County. Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network.

For further information about The Chest, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the organization's activities on Facebook and Twitter.