A Wonderful Surprise for Lifting Up Westchester

Westchester resident Charlotte Holton was surprised to see $600 show up in her bank account the other week, even though she’d heard all about the federal stimulus package.  Charlotte told Nancy Inzinna, Lifting Up Westchester’s Community Outreach Manager how she felt fortunate to have a job and be able to work from home. 

“Since the pandemic," said Charlotte, "I have not been spending as much so I have been able to build up my savings.  So I called Lifting Up Westchester to see how I can donate my stimulus check to other Westchester residents who are really on the edge of being evicted.”

“I was thrilled to learn about a special Bridge Fund set up for people who are about to be evicted to help them catch up on rent.  I just can’t imagine what it must be like for all of our neighbors who lost their employment and are now on the verge of becoming homeless. I know while this money will be a lifeline for many Americans struggling financially during the pandemic, not everyone who’s eligible for stimulus checks is in dire need for extra cash.”

"I would say to people, 'If you’re doing OK financially during the pandemic, or even better, you have extra money in your budget right now, you might want to consider donating some or all of your stimulus check to Lifting Up Westchester.'”

“Hearing from people like Charlotte is what makes Westchester such a wonderful place to live.  We know when we take care of each other our entire community benefits,” said Nancy Inzinna.

 “Last week was just such a disheartening moment for our country. Charlotte’s kindness in acting to help others truly touched our hearts,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO. “Lifting Up Westchester has worked to permanently change the lives of our neighbors in crisis by finding them stable, long-term, housing and providing the support they need to rebuild their well-being. We are deeply grateful to partner together with people like Charlotte to make our community better for all of us.”

PS. If you would like to donate your stimulus check or any donation you can take one more important step that would have a huge impact by looking into any potential matching programs you may have access to. Many large employers offer to match employee donations to nonprofits. This is a quick way to multiply the impact of your donation. You can check your workplace intranet page or speak with HR to find out if your employer offers a program.