Year in Review…2024!
2024…the year Moreno Valley Angels creates an impact!
The beginning of MVA: In late 2023, I decided to go out on a limb and start this non-profit. I had noticed a need for children within the area through my work at the school and daycare. I had also seen many families posting on our local Facebook page asking for help with clothing and shoes for children. Many local community members would jump on the request and find ways to purchase these items. It worked, but I knew a non-profit would not only be beneficial to our community members in need but also be a safe place for those wanting to help! Scams are just too common these days.
I no idea where to start, including how to come up with a name or better yet any of the paperwork to become a true 501c(3). I sat on my couch googling the ins and outs and realized how similar it was to starting a business- something I have done with my husband three times. I filed all the paperwork needed and then waited for my tax exemption status…for months! I knew it could take up to six months but prayed it would come in sooner. Unfortunately I never received a letter in 2023. In 2024 after months of waiting, I began looking into this tax emption status and found a resource on the IRS website that allows the public to look up nonprofits. To my surprise, Moreno Valley Angels pops up…TAX EXEMPT! I had received the tax-exempt status in September of 2023 yet had no idea. Although I was irritated, I was happy I could FINALLY start fundraising and bring my ideas to life!
Prior to receiving my tax exempt status, United Church of Angel Fire provided a way for me to begin. UCAF held funds for MVA allowing me to purchase clothing items for children in need. Families would create clothing wishlist on Amazon and then we would purchase these items. This allowed children to choose items to their liking! I wanted children to get items they would love and most importantly be comfortable in. During this time, we helped 11 children.
This was only the beginning and proved the need for this nonprofit. Once I received the tax-exemption status I was able to branch off from UCAF and create an account for Moreno Valley Angels at a local bank. This made the process much simpler. This also allowed me the opportunity to provide “emergency” clothing and shoes when a child/family could not wait. In these instances, I typically will go straight to the closest Walmart and gather clothing and shoes for the child in need. I continued doing the amazon wishlist for the others that weren’t necessarily in a rush.
PS.,I am forever grateful to UCAF for helping me with the start of MVA and funding so many children!
In June 2024, I held my first event. The Angel Fire Round up! A night of BBQ, live music and dancing. We also held a silent auction and had raffle items! This was my first fundraiser for MVA and we were able to profit $3000 which seemed like a huge success for a first time event and fundraiser.
Through out the summer and fall we continued to help local children by purchasing clothing and shoes.
We held our first used clothing drive for children- a wonderful turn out with no clothes left behind!
In July 2024, we did a “Christmas in July” supply drive. This allowed locals to help with school supplies for 40+ students in our area.
In October 2024, we had a community Halloween event! This was my fourth year doing so and it continues to grow with the help of local businesses and individuals. We saw 250+ people at this event!
In December we did an “Angel Tree” for Christmas gifts! We had over 50 children registered and all provided with wonderful gifts thanks to our giving community.
We also held a Christmas Tree Silent Auction. Wonderful businesses donated to these efforts and with the help of Jennifer Gergen from Smoke Rings BBQ and Tracy Manders we were able to make $3000 to go towards Angel Fires Youth Ski Team.
Speaking of Ski Team, between local donations and the tree auctions we were able to sponsor 20 children. This sport comes at a high price but also a high reward! It's truly amazing to see how giving our community is!
At the end of the year our total number of children helped: 25!
Overall 2024 was truly amazing for MVA! We started out with no idea what to expect and truly saw the need for this type of work. The community support through volunteers and donations is what will keep this going for years to come!
