PIKE COUNTY, PA — A global pandemic and the outcome might be prompting some to think about refocusing their life plans.

If you are thinking along these lines, consider helping your community get through future unexpected occurrences by leaving a legacy of philanthropy.

“The need to support one another and band together in community is being felt more now,” said Jess Zufall, executive director of the Greater Pike Community Foundation. “We are hearing from our neighbors who are seeking ways to continue helping in this post-COVID era.”

Greater Pike, a community foundation that has distributed more than $1.69 million to the community in the past decade, has opportunities for individuals to continue helping in perpetuity.

Even though individuals can include the foundation in their wills or other planned gifts, Greater Pike recently launched the Greater Pike Legacy Society, which provides the opportunity for a donor to leave a legacy to protect and strengthen the community.

Legacy Society members find they enjoy associating with like-minded individuals who care about helping others, and appreciate the philanthropic guidance offered by Greater Pike.

These charitable bequests—promised in the donor’s lifetime, but fulfilled upon the donor’s death—can include a bequest in one’s will, gifts of life insurance or retirement plan assets, and/or charitable income in the form of annuities or charitable remainder trusts. A donor who leaves a legacy gift to Greater Pike can direct it to support any charitable cause or area of interest.

It’s an act of generosity that benefits the community for generations to come.

“Participation in the Legacy Society can be an inspirational experience, and your choice to join us may encourage others to do the same,” said Zufall, noting that there is no minimum bequest to join.

“It is rewarding to know my legacy will give back in perpetuity to the community I love,” said Jim Pedranti of Milford, a founding Legacy Society member and former board chair. “I can be assured my life mattered and will continue to matter to future generations.”

“What you leave behind for future generations is a reflection of the life you lived,” said Zufall. “Greater Pike can give individuals a way to establish a meaningful legacy.”

The foundation recommends that you consult your attorney, financial advisor or accountant, and then email Zufall at jesszufall@greaterpike.org, or call her at 570/832-4686. You can also email info@greaterpike.org.