Hope for Heroes Announce First Recipients of Funding

Delaware County Pay It Forward is proud to announce the first recipients of funding through its newly launched Hope for Heroes initiative, investing more than $3,200 back into Delaware County through four local organizations serving critical community needs.

Hope for Heroes was created to support initiatives focused on public safety, wellness, prevention, education, healthcare support, and community needs throughout Delaware County. The program is intended to become an annual funding opportunity for organizations making a meaningful impact locally.

The 2026 Hope for Heroes recipients include:

• Delaware County Emergency Management — Awarded $1,000 toward a plotter replacement project supporting emergency response planning, public safety mapping, search efforts, and first responder coordination throughout Delaware County.
• West Delaware County Community School District — Awarded $1,500 to support the Together We Are initiative focused on youth mental health awareness, emotional wellness, and suicide prevention programming for students.
• Regional Medical Center Parents as Teachers — Awarded $300 to support professional development opportunities benefiting young children and families throughout Delaware County.
• Manchester Methodist Church Free Clothing Closet Hygiene Bank — Awarded $400.30 to support the purchase of essential hygiene products for local families in need.

“These awards reflect exactly why Hope for Heroes was created,” said the Board of Directors of Delaware County Pay it Forward. “Strong communities are built by investing in the people and organizations working every day to protect, support, educate, and care for others throughout Delaware County.”

The organization noted that while this marks the first round of Hope for Heroes funding awards, it will not be the last. The next application cycle is expected to open in January 2027.

“These awards are only possible because of generous donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters who believe in neighbors helping neighbors,” the Board added.

Community members interested in supporting future Hope for Heroes awards—or programs like Hope Gap, Christmas Hope, and other Delaware County Pay It Forward Fundraising activities like Family Fun Fest and the annual Concert —can donate at delawarecountypayitforward.org or via Venmo at @DelcoPayItForward. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to connect with Delaware County Pay It Forward through its website or Facebook page at Delaware County Pay It Forward, Iowa.

Delaware County Pay It Forward is a Delaware County-based nonprofit organization focused on helping local residents through community-driven programs including Hope Gap, Christmas Hope, Hope for Heroes, and other initiatives designed to provide fast, respectful support to neighbors in need.