Over the last 10 years, your United Way of the National Capital Area has witnessed how we are Better United during our Do More 24 day of giving. Since 2013, Do More 24 – a social movement that brings together charities, private companies, and donors who are committed to making a difference in the community – has supported more than 1,200 nonprofit organizations raising more than $13.7 million for this region’s heroes and the nonprofits that support the community every day.
This year, Do More 24 will be held on Wednesday, May 18. It’s a day when members of the community are encouraged to think about what they care most about; learn what others are doing to solve our region’s most pressing social problems, like food insecurity, mental health challenges, lost wages, the digital divide, or the emergence out of this current health crisis; and feel like they are Better United to DO MORE for the community.
Hundreds of nonprofits throughout the DMV area will come together for Do More 24, the region’s largest online giving day, powered by United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA). Each dollar makes a difference in the nonprofits that directly serve your community.
For example, HART (Homeless Animals Rescue Team), a no-kill animal rescue and support group in Fairfax, has participated in Do More 24 for 10 consecutive years. With the community's help, a great team of passionate volunteers, and supporters, each year, the organization rehomes nearly 1,000 cats and dogs of all ages that were once in dire situations.
While the organization raises funds year-round, they are always excited to participate in United Way of the National Capital Area’s Do More 24. The funds raised during the 24-hour day of giving are the lifeblood of helping animals in need, as the organization’s most significant need is for its medical fund.
“Many of the animals we rescue are from situations where they were either neglected or abandoned and haven’t had the veterinary care they need for vaccines, fleas, neutering to more serious critical surgeries,” said Cynthia Voccia, volunteer for HART. “Many other animal rescues can’t afford to take in these pets, but we are determined to save as many as possible. Do More 24 puts us right in front of the donors who want to make a difference in a rescue animal’s life. The difference in the amount of money that we can raise in this one single day is enormous for us because we don’t have the structure to fundraise at that level every day.”
In addition to the funds raised, Do More 24 has helped HART attract new supporters, followers, and, just as important, adopters. The overall impact of the community event offers the organization a whole new avenue to connect with people and other organizations that are passionate about helping animals.
We hope to continue to strengthen the financial capacity and community support for all of the participating Do More 24 nonprofit partners. When we join together to break down barriers to create a more equitable society where everyone in our community has fair and equal access to health, education and economic opportunity, we are better united as a community, as a sector and as a region. We invite you to join us during the 24-hour day of giving. To find a nonprofit that is meaningful to you, please visit https://unitedwaynca.org/what-we-do/our-programs/do-more-24/.