Give your pennies safely and securely here!
For the past 23 years, high school students and community volunteers have gathered on the last Saturday in April to support Joya Child & Family Development. It’s a springtime Spokane tradition that has hundreds of volunteers waving signs and collecting donations at familiar intersections throughout Spokane County. But this year, with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions in place, Joya’s annual Community Day Penny Drive has had to look for a new way to keep the tradition alive. Joya is excited to announce that the Penny Drive will continue on a digital platform, ensuring that critically needed financial support for children with special needs can still be collected.
For the first time, supporters will be able to donate to the Penny Drive clicking here or by texting JOYA to (509) 588-0515 from April 15th through June 30th.
Joya provides an exceptional early-intervention program that helps more than 300 infants and toddlers a year who are impacted by developmental disabilities and delays stemming from premature birth, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, rare syndromes, shaken baby syndrome, chromosomal defects, and birth defects. Joya raises 45 cents of every dollar it takes to provide its high-quality program and to cover costs and copays for families who struggle financially. Children receive a personalized comprehensive program that includes physical, occupational and speech therapies and special education. Families also have access to a pediatrician, pediatric nurses and social workers who help connect them to vital services for the whole family.
Every cent donated supports Joya’s children and their families. The need for Joya’s early intervention services has increased by 73% in Spokane County since 2014 and Joya continues to serve more children every year. Philanthropy helps Joya support all families, regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, about 70% of the children Joya cares for are Medicaid-eligible. Developmental delays introduce expense, complication, and stress into the lives of new parents. Many families face mounting medical bills and gaps in insurance coverage. As families work to get back on their feet in the aftermath of layoffs and reduced hours tied to the COVID-19 crisis, we expect that more families will be unable to pay toward unfunded care.
Although this year’s drive respects social distancing, its roots in staying close as a community remain strong. With your support, Joya can continue to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Here’s how you can help!
Ways to support Joya’s 24th Annual Community Day Penny Drive:
- Make an online donation
- Text JOYA to (509)-588-0515 to make a donation via your phone!
- Click here to learn how to create your own Penny Drive fundraiser!
- Create a social media campaign on Instagram and include a link to Joya’s online donation form or include Joya’s text to give number (509) 588-0515!
- Drop off the pennies and coins you’ve saved all year at Joya Child & Family Development, 2118 West Garland, Spokane WA, when the center reopens!
- Visit Joya’s website for stories, photos and videos of children and families whose lives have been forever changed by the care they received at Joya!
For more information or questions: CONTACT: Korin Michielli, Development Director
(509) 954-1893/korin.michielli@joya.org