Cy-Hope launches end-of-year fundraising effort to offset losses caused by pandemic

After seeing an estimated loss of $450,000 in 2020 as a result of pandemic-related closures and the economic downturn, officials with the nonprofit Cy-Hope have announced a new fundraising effort intended to help recover lost revenue.

The effort, which officials are calling the Hope is Not Canceled project, will run through Dec. 31. Over that time, all donations to Cy-Hope will be matched up to $100,000 by the Hamilton Y’Barbo family.

Cy-Hope offers a wide variety of services that largely focus on families and children in the Cy-Fair area. Programs include a backpack program to deliver food to hungry students; the operation of Hope Centers, where students in underserved neighborhoods can do homework in a safe environment; and counseling services.

The drop in revenue can be attributed to a decline in revenue from fundraisers, canceled venue rentals and the temporary closure of The Hope Chest resale center.

In spite of the lost revenue, Cy-Hope has continued to serve the community throughout the pandemic, according to a Dec. 16 press release. The nonprofit partnered with the Houston Food Bank on local food distribution, and the nonprofit has continued to offer counseling services by telehealth appointments.

Since the pandemic began in March, Cy-Hope has distributed over 6.3 million pounds of food to more than 105,000 families; distributed over 5,300 bags of food through a summer feeding program; hosted 10 blood drives, collecting enough donations to save the lives of 963 people; and delivered backpacks of food to 753 Cy-Fair ISD students at 53 schools, according to the release.

“As we celebrate the holiday season, we know that many families in our community are struggling. Thankfully, Cy-Hope is here to help,” Executive Director Lynda Zelenka said in a statement.

For more information, visit www.cy-hope.org.