October marks the kickoff of the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. As the state’s largest workplace-giving drive, the CVC plays a vital role in raising donations for nonprofits that serve both Charlottesville and Virginia at large.

With nearly 1,000 nonprofits to choose from, the campaign provides an easy way to give back to organizations that serve the community in a variety of areas – including health and human services, animal welfare, historical preservation, environmental conservation and medical research.

This year, the campaign kicks off as our community continues to battle the global COVID-19 pandemic, which means donations count more than ever. Many of Charlottesville’s nonprofits are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, providing critical relief to the most vulnerable members of our community.

To better understand the scope of the CVC’s impact on local nonprofits, UVA Today caught up with Colleen Keller, executive director at the Charlottesville Free Clinic, a nonprofit committed providing health care for those in need.

“The Charlottesville Free Clinic is a symbol of health, wellness and compassion for our community,” Keller said. “For the last 28 years, the UVA community has fueled our organization. UVA undergrads, medical students, residents and more commit 14,553 hours each year to uphold our mission and keep an open door to health care for our uninsured, working neighbors. We need your financial support to ensure our doors remain open through the pandemic and beyond for the estimated 10,317 individuals in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area who will lack health insurance this year.”

The Charlottesville Free Clinic is just one of many local nonprofits working to help the members of the Charlottesville community who are critically affected by the virus.

To make giving as easy and efficient as possible, the campaign has gone paperless this year. Salaried employees may choose to give a one-time or reoccurring donation, via credit card or payroll deduction, beginning with their first paycheck in January. Pledges must be made by Dec. 20 to ensure processing for the 2020 tax year.

To give, click here.