Non-profits who rely on fundraising struggling because of coronavirus

We’re seeing events being canceled left and right to encourage social distancing during the fight against COVID-19. Some of these events are fundraising efforts that keep non-profits afloat. “Whether or not we’re having fundraisers, when that pager goes off, we’re going,” said Dave Truskowsky, president of West End Fire and Rescue. In times of emergencies, volunteer fire companies like West End Fire and Rescue in Mahanoy City are always there to answer the call. “There’s no stopping us. We’re needed someplace. We have to do what we have to do,” Truskowsky explained. Community fundraising is West End’s lifeline to serving the public. The department runs a weekly bingo that supports their day to day operations. It also holds several other fundraising events during the year. That money usually pays for equipment and unexpected expenses.