Pueblo nonprofit workers get 'thanks' for COVID pandemic work
Apr. 14—Nearly 700 nonprofit workers will get a pat on the back in the form of $50 gift cards that they can spend at Pueblo businesses thanks to the United Way of Pueblo County's efforts to give back to frontline workers who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.
The gift cards are funded by United Way of Pueblo County's Emergency Response & Recovery Fund which was established a little more than a year ago, said Shanna Farmer, United Way president and CEO.
The fund ended up with nearly $250,000 thanks to donations from corporations and individuals who wanted to help Pueblo's nonprofit agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We had two rounds of funding for the immediate needs and the recovery process, although I don't think any of us realized how long recovery would take," Farmer said. "Then we had additional contributions, so the committee decided they wanted to recognize and honor the amazing work that the nonprofit workers have done because the nonprofits never shut down through the pandemic."
The committee members also wanted to find a way to help local businesses that also have suffered during the pandemic. Enter Supporting Pueblo which is a collaboration of businesses and organizations offering hundreds of products and services via an online platform.
All of the gift cards will be spent through Supporting Pueblo, "which is all about local, Pueblo businesses," Farmer said. A total $34,350 remaining in the fund was enough to purchase 687 $50 gift cards for nonprofit workers serving 31 local nonprofit agencies from food banks to animal welfare to arts and youth organizations.
"We were able to fund every nonprofit that applied, but some that had larger staffs, we had to cap the number of gift cards. We asked that they go to the frontline workers who were working day in and day out during the pandemic," Farmer said.
The frontline workers will be encouraged to pamper themselves with a meal out, flowers or doughnuts or any of the Supporting Pueblo gifts and services.
"At the same time that you are pampering yourself you are able to invest in the local economy — this effort is also supporting our local small businesses," Farmer said.
"The committee was so touched by not only what our nonprofits have done but by what our businesses had to withstand to get through this last year. This is a perfect blend of how we can really hopefully make a difference with that infusion of dollars," Farmer explained.
Supporting Pueblo has more than 250 businesses, products and services to offer, said Steven Trujillo, president and chief executive officer of the Latino Chamber of Pueblo.
"Gift cards are a great starting point for how we can evolve the platform to continue helping those in our business and maker communities," Trujillo said.
"The addition of gift cards for our vendors offers a convenient way for them to get their products and services in front of customers," said Supporting Pueblo Coordinator Noah Commerford. "We are excited to partner with United Way in offering a creative way to support our local businesses and community."
The gift cards will be distributed to each nonprofit worker through Supporting Pueblo and most will be delivered electronically. Businesses interested in joining the Supporting Pueblo website to sell products, services, or gift cards can sign up at supportingpueblo.com/sell.
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.
