Each month, we’re proud to share highlights from the charitable funds we manage and the initiatives they support—showcasing the impact made possible by generous donors and community partners like you.
NEW FUND SPOTLIGHT: Swap Scranton Fund
Established in Noviembre 2025, the Swap Scranton Fund promotes environmental sustainability and community support by encouraging the reuse and recycling of clothing.
Through free community swap events, individuals can refresh their wardrobes at no cost while helping reduce textile waste and keep clothing in circulation. Remaining items are donated to local charitable organizations, and the fund also supports other community needs, including food insecurity.
Established in Noviembre 2025, the Swap Scranton Fund supports and promotes environmental sustainability and community support by encouraging the recycling and reuse of clothing to reduce waste and keep garments in circulation.
Celebrating AWC’s Impact & Looking Ahead
Thanks to the generous support of the Bob Jones Trust Foundation and the continued support of donors, partners, and community members, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative (AWC) completed its 2023 grant-funded canine spay and neuter voucher program and carried out a TNVR clinic through 2024 funding.
AWC also hosted its second Animal Care and Pet Summit Expo at the Viewmont Mall, promoting local animal resources and educating the community on responsible pet ownership, essential veterinary care, and pet nutrition.
This year included two community pet wellness clinics, providing vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and microchips for dogs and cats, as well as AWC’s first-ever Pet Holiday Event at the Marketplace at Steamtown, promoting pet adoptions and local vendors ahead of the holiday season.
AWC is expanding its animal advocacy efforts through a partnership with Humane World for Animals to create local impact and support animal welfare legislation. Looking ahead, AWC plans to host additional clinics, increase access to spay and neuter services, and continue pet ownership education through 2026.
Thank you to everyone who makes this work possible!
Established in the Fall of 2019 through a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund is a field of interest fund intended to support animal welfare in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser Raises Over $37,000 to
Feed Lackawanna County Families
The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, raised $37,027.25 through The Heart of Scranton—a virtual fundraiser addressing food insecurity in NEPA.
Participating organizations included CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center: Food Security for the Common Good, CHOP Out Hunger, Bread Basket of Northeast Pennsylvania, The Salvation Army, Indigo Spoon Foundation, and Meals on Wheels of NEPA.
Thank you to all who donated for helping us combat food insecurity in Northeastern Pennsylvania!
The Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser Fund was established in Abril 2020 at the Scranton Area Community Foundation to combat food insecurity throughout Lackawanna County during the COVID-19 crisis. The fund continues today to address the issue and support local organizations working to ensure that every family has nutritious food on the table.
Celebrating Three Years of the Garden of Cedar
The Garden of Cedar wrapped up three years with a strong 2025 season!
Thanks in part to 10 truckloads of donated compost from the Lackawanna County Recycling Center, the Garden and its annex provided fresh, homegrown vegetables to over 100 local families. The Indigo Spoon Foundation returned with its summer lunch program for children, and Citizens Savings Bank employees again dedicated their harvest to the neighborhood.
The season also offered memorable moments from nature, including a bluebird family that successfully raised five fledglings and bees that pollinated Garden crops throughout the summer
Looking ahead to 2026, the Garden of Cedar’s needs include a permanent shed, replacement tools and supplies, natural fertilizer, and the potential construction of a greenhouse to reduce seedling costs.
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Thank you for helping us to highlight and share the great work happening in our community!