2015 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Carasmark

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education, Educational Services

Mission: Carasmark seeks to inspire hope in the lives of children and their families by meeting their practical needs.

Community Stories

56 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

amoore46 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2021

This is an amazing organization! The people are incredible, and it provides families and the community with the help it so desperately needs. Not only that, but the organization is such an easy and fun way to give back, we were even able to get our kids involved in volunteering! I look forward to being able to help out with Carasmark in the future!

MarkPhelpsEdD Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

I have had the pleasure of watching the inspiring humans at Carasmark support countless students and families in a number of meaningful ways over the last four years. At Lewis Dual Language Elementary School in Wilmington Delaware, where I served as principal from 2017-2021, many of our students regularly face a number of traumatic life experiences that include abuse, neglect, violence, poverty, food insecurity and other traumatic adverse childhood experiences. The impact of Carasmark’s weekly contributions of food for students and families facing food insecurity could not be overstated. Carasmark brings weekly bags of food for select students and families that our counselor discreetly disseminates every Friday. Even through the most uncertain weeks and months of the pandemic, rain or shine, Carasmark was there every week bringing larger and larger amounts of food as a safety net for so many families who desperately needed the help at the time. Additionally, they have donated countless backpacks and school supplies to our students and families, which has meant joy and pride for the students and relief for their parents. I could not say enough about the folks at Carasmark who have been a steady source of caring and safety for our families and made a profound difference in the quality of their lives.

I am humbled by the work Carasmark does and inspired by the support they provide to so many children and families year in and year out. Carasmark embodies what we should all be inspired to do in making the world a better place, especially for the most vulnerable among us.

Dr. Mark S. Phelps

fkaiser Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

Having worked with Carasmark multiple times fundraising for the local community, the mission is clear and driven with the best intentions. They are doing work to serve our communities and offering children the chance to make a difference at a young age that will grow with them into the future.

CBierlein Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

This is an amazing group of people who are passionate about serving and providing for others out of the goodness of their hearts.

Christy L.6 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

Carasmark is doing great things for students in the area! Our students are so appreciative of the backpacks and books that this organization has donated over the years! Having these backpacks on hand for students who don't have them helps students to come to school prepared and without worry of standing out as 'different'. The books are helping to expand 'at home libraries' for all of our students as well. I can't say enough great things about this organization!

becblevins Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

This is a beautiful local nonprofit! I’ve seen firsthand how much love is poured out into the community.

Heather H.15 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/15/2021

A wonderful group that helps many people in and around our community.

Lauren T.2 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/14/2021

Nonprofits motivated by the founders passions are often the most impactful organizations in the community. This organization was born out of a tragedy experienced by its founder. Her passion is unmistakable. Her impact on the community is noteworthy. The difference she makes in children’s lives is refreshing. Beyond adjust her organization, I had the privilege of benefiting from her support for a nonprofit that I started during Covid. Her guidance, care, and enthusiasm were infectious as I got my organization off the ground. Carasmark does it right - not just for Carasmark but for the entire community.

smillerhall Client Served

Rating: 5

10/13/2021

Carasmark has serviced our school community for 5 years now with Weekend food bags. They are an amazing and caring organization who goes above and beyond to support our children.

cindyg Board Member

Rating: 5

10/04/2018

Great non profit providing meals for poor families and educational supplies for kids in low income schools with integrity and love.

Previous Stories

Board Member

Rating: 5

04/29/2011

I have observed Shannon and Nathan's love for disadvantaged families and children and their willingness to sacrifice their time and energy to help. They are honest, compassionate and persevering in finding ways to touch lives. Weather it is cooking meals for a dozen families, delivering backpacks full of school supplies, or donating money for the funeral of a stillborn child, Shannon, Nathan and their volunteers do very practical things in a way that expresses real love and compassion.

Jackieches Client Served

Rating: 5

10/03/2018

Great nonprofit to focus on the needs of high need students and provide them with the tools they need to be successful. Thank you for all you do!

Previous Stories

Client Served

Rating: 5

08/01/2015

I am an educator in a Title 1 school who was fortunate enough to be affected by Carasmark. We were able to provide 50 school bags to our neediest students filled with school supplies. This allowed our students to start school feeling confident, prepared, and optimistic about the year to come. We are so thankful and fortunate to have been a recipient of this wonderful organization!

sarahaltemus Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

Carasmark is an amazing charity. I know the founder personally and have seen her firsthand, working tirelessly to bless as many people as possible. I am honored to have gotten to be a part of some of the Carasmark events!

Sharon164 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

Carasmark is a wonderful charity! They reach out to the community in so many ways, and make it really easy to get involved as a volunteer.

Nathan23 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

I know the founder personally, and I have loved being able to participate in just a little of what Shannon does for the community!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

10/31/2015

Carasmark is a small organization with big heart, goals, and action.
The work that Carasmark does makes differences in individual lives by recognizing needs and coming along side individuals as well as organizations to meet those needs and invest in community in humble, and practical ways.

Cambra General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

This is such a wonderful charity that really does a great job of seeing needs in the community and responding in effective ways. They are creative, efficient, and caring. A great charity to support!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

My family has had a great experience with Carasmark over the years. We've participated in fundraisers to raise money for their backpack project and food drives to supply kids in need with food. We highly recommend Carasmark and the work they do!

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

Carasmark is such a great charity, they give back on a number of fronts: backpacks with school supplies, healthy meals for those who can't afford them and support for those going through the hardest of times. It's a privilege to support them.

James179 Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

They are an amazing charity. Love helping them we we can. Great cause

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2015

Carasmark is an amazing non profit organization dedicated to the well being of our youth! Wonderful volunteers and a wonderful organization!!!

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/28/2015

The incredible team behind Carasmark does a remarkable job at setting lofty goals and exceeding them with true passion, dedication, and incredibly notable organizational skills. I am amazed by their humble approach and genuine tenderness for communities in need. I have been consistently impressed with the radius of impact that Carasmark achieves through their giving, and would highly recommend supporting them with your time and finances.

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

10/28/2015

Carasmark is an amazing organization. They pair fun with fundraising and do such wonderful things. Shannon and her team are energetic and inspiring. I whole heartedly support this group.

jeffrk Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/20/2014

I first heard about Carasmark during the summer of 2013, and I was excited to volunteer for such a terrific cause! Shannon and her team give so much to the community…I am particularly impressed with the aid they give to inner city kids and schools. Way to go!! Keep up the great work!

Amyep General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/19/2014

I have never seen a charitable organization directly impact our local community as much as Carasmark has. Shannon - the director of Carasmark - is a force like no other. I admire her dedication to ensure that the memory of her daughter is honored by helping local children. Her backpack program is wonderful!

SuddenlySeymour Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/19/2014

Carasmark is an amazing organization created by amazing people. The work behind Carasmark is crucial and important to changing the lives of children and families in need. Carasmark is an organization centered around compassion, authenticity, and love. I fully support the message this beautiful organization stands for and its' goal to change lives one at a time.

Levitribe Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2014

I have been a volunteer/donor with Carasmark for a few years and I love that Carasmark is passionate and practical. It is making a difference locally, close to home with hot meals or backpacks stocked with school supplies. This type of service is essential in meeting the immediate needs of the community in a very real way. I am happy to support Carasmark and enjoy volunteering to help them make a difference.

4muskateers Donor

Rating: 5

10/12/2014

Carasmark is a humble organization with a lofty quest. I proudly and happily support carasmark and its attention to education and families. It is an organized and well-run group that provides varied and fun opportunities for its donors to show their support throughout the year, both through volunteering and monetary donations. Cannot think of a more worthy organization in which to invest!

jetsfan91 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/11/2014

I have volunteered several times for Carasmark and every time am excited by the good work that I see it doing in the daily lives of children and parents. In particular, I have most often assisted with the backpack program which provides kids with the necessary supplies for school that they would be unable to have otherwise. I love this program because it not only provides for these kids in school, but helps the parents to know that their children will be prepared for the school year even when they are unable to provide that for them. I think Carasmark does a great job of quantifiably helping the lives of children, and I look forward to continuing to help the great work it will continue to do in the future.

jrobinsonid Board Member

Rating: 5

10/10/2014

Carasmark is an incredible nonprofit that has helped thousands of kids over the years receive backpacks and school supplies. Carasmark was founded by people that want to make a difference in peoples lives. Whether it be through backpacks or countless meals made for people in need this non-profit serves its community tirelessly. I have seen the impact first hand.

artbookout Donor

Rating: 5

10/10/2014

I have been a donor/volunteer for several Carasmark events over the last few years and I cannot think of a more worthy cause. Education has been in the spotlight for more than a decade as both students and teachers are constantly being asked to do more with less. Carasmark helps provide resources where they are needed most across two states. Even the basics are lacking in many areas and Carasmark helps fill a critical void and put children on the path to success.

Molly36 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/10/2014

I am a Family Crisis Therapist in New Castle, DE. I work at Eisenberg Elementary School where 90% of our population lives at or below poverty. We have been so fortunate to have a great working relationship with Carasmark. Each year they donate 100 backpacks to our school. Not just a backpack, but school supplies to go with them! Every student registered as homeless receives a backpack, as well as any other student that arrives either without one, with a broken one or requesting one. If I could describe the looks on the parents face when they realize that is one less thing they need to worry about, it would be a powerful description of relief and happiness. The kids are able to choose which one they want, making them feel like they have picked out their own backpack as well.

I'm not too sure what I would do without the generous donations and work that Carasmark does. It is an amazing non-profit organization that deserves the highest recognition!

emtones General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

Carasmark is a fantastic nonprofit committed to helping families and children in need. There are many different ways you can help out. I especially enjoy working with the backpack program, which provides backpacks full of school supplies to children in need. This is a great nonprofit to get involved in, and the board is full of truly passionate people who are committed to their mission of inspiring hope to families in need.

collinpalkovitz Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I am the director of digital marketing at a non-profit that works with NGOs around the world. I have been continually impressed with Carasmark's ability to execute their mission and truly impact their target demographic.

Lanaya G. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I am so proud to not only know this non profit but to know its founder in a personal way. I have literally seen Shannon go through such a tragedy of loosing her baby girl and turning it into a way to help others. Her actions clearly line up with all she wants to do for others. She is not a founder that sits behind a computer all day and doesnt get out with others. She is the total opposite. She does it all and is involved with every part of this orginazation. Her ability to reach others with what she does allows Carasmark not only to continue to be an orginization worth investing in but as well as one to be spoken about among others. Her fundraisers are well thought out and has allowed the orginization to be where it is today along with investors who believe in Shannon and the purpose of Carasmark. If I could some Shannon up in one word it would be Genuine. That is her non profit as well. Carasmark is an orginization that is full of genuine people with hearts ready to help for none other than the reason being the need is overwhelming and there is a void of places families can truly trust and get the help needed. I do believe that Carasmark will be around for some time and will continue to be a great help to all who are in need.

Lindsay11 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

Carasmark is a charity that seeks to encourage families by meeting practical needs. Two of the ongoing efforts that have inspired hope in communities with generally lower SES in the Delaware area are the backpack project and the healthy meals program. These two initiatives extend helpful resources to families in need; these programs also extend an opportunity for ongoing relationship with Carasmark initiatives and programs associated with other affiliated non-profits in the area. Carasmark hosts many events that allow community members to get involved in supporting such wonderful efforts to make a positive differences in others' lives.

Lindsay10 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I helped Shannon run a walkathon, Carasmark first fundraising event, here in NY. It felt great to get involved and spread the word of this awesome non-profit! From tea parties to backpacks, Carasmark has done a amazing job of giving back to communities and providing a fun way for individuals and businesses to help. As anyone who is close to Shannon and Nathan knows, this organization carries special meaning to them and I am very grateful to be a part of it.

jeskruse10 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

As a NYC public teacher of 8 years, I see everyday the necessity there is out there to have students' basic needs met in order for them to be successful academically and socially in school. I have seen the significant impact that Carasmark has made on elementary school students in Brooklyn, NY. Students that have benefited from this charity come to school with more confidence and the tools needed to be an engaged and successful student in school. The distraught looks on students' faces when they show up to school with nothing are changed to a priceless smile when they are given a free book bag with the materials needed to help them function better in school clearly shows that Carasmark IS making a MARK and changing students' lives in urban areas. Keep up the good work Carasmark! My students need you! - Jes Kruse

Mandy D. Donor

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

Carasmark is an incredible non profit. This organization was developed when Nathan and Shannon lost their daughter Avelin from stillbirth. In her memory, this non profit was developed so she would live on. This couple has reached hundreds and possibly thousands over the years in the most practical ways. By donating meals to those who live in poverty monthly. To purchasing backpacks for children who are in inner city. They fill them with school supplies so they can start their year off right. This organization is a shining light a world that needs to know people care and love them.

B_Walker

B_Walker General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I learned about Carasmark a few months ago from President Shannon Lynch and was in awe of how selfless the organization as a whole is. The fact that the founders of Carasmark were able to take such a traumatic experience and use it as motivation to help others struggling is both amazing and inspiring. I've volunteered my services for an upcoming Carasmark event and am excited to see the organization at work.

JLatshaw Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I have seen so many lives touched through Carasmark. Through their Backpack Project they have literally made a practical and lasting impact in the lives of so many students in need. I have personally been part of their Meals Project, where I have delivered meals to families in need. It has been great to be a part of this excellent organization and to help through who are struggling in life.

Mauerbach Client Served

Rating: 5

11/14/2012

We were so excited to have Carasmark donate approximately 100 backpacks to our students in need this year. The students were so excited to receive a brand new backpack and heir faces lit up even more when hey opened hem up to find some starter supplies. Thanks again!

thusted Client Served

Rating: 5

11/09/2012

Carasmark has served the Public School 85 school community for the past three years. Their donation of backpacks and school supplies has helped hundreds of ineer city school children start school right with their gift of school supplies and their motivation and inspiration. Together we can help our children succeed.

Jordan A. Board Member

Rating: 5

11/08/2012

I've been involved with Carasmark for several years, and really enjoy making a practical difference in people's lives. It's run with integrity, and is truly focused on caring for people.

Carolyn H General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

05/02/2011

Carasmark was founded by an amazing couple who experienced deep grief after the loss of their child. They have dedicated their lives to giving back to others who are also experiencing hard times. Their integrity is unquestionable. Their commitment to excellence is sure.

ChrisS Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/30/2011

My wife and I have tried to take an active role in Carasmark since its founding. It is a solid grass roots organization filled with good people doing their best to help to alleviate the suffering mourning mothers and fathers, as well as always keeping a hand open to people in need in the community.

Your time and your money is always well spent with Carasmark

LauraMHale Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/30/2011

I've had the pleasure of volunteering with this organization for almost 4 years now, and I have seen and heard many great reports from the people that have been impacted by the Carasmark projects. I wanted to be a part of something that meets the practical needs of people in my own area, and Carasmark is exactly what I was looking for!

KateD Board Member

Rating: 5

04/30/2011

Carasmark is a wonderful non-profit organization that Shannon and Nathan founded with such vision and purpose. The idea that anyone can help a child or family whose basic needs aren't being met is amazing. This fairly new nonprofit organization is off too a great start with a variety of fundraising events with the goal of helping others is simply admirable. I am proud to be a part of Carasmark and look forward to the results of fundraising and sponsors helping more families/children on a daily basis!

robp Donor

Rating: 5

04/29/2011

Carasmark volunteers and staff have demonstrated compassion, perseverance, focus and thoughtfulness in planning and completing projects to serve at risk families and their children. They consistently provide needed goods and services in ways that encourage and strengthen families in their efforts to feed and educate their children. Their compassion projects are heartfelt.

judy Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/29/2011

I have seen some of the work that Carasmark has done in the city of Wilmington, DE. I am part of an organization that works closely with Carasmark, and have seen how valuable their contributions have been.
Hundreds of children in an elementary school where most of the student are well below the poverty line were able to receive new backpacks stocked with school essentials that are unaffordable to many of the families.
A young mom who's baby died suddenly was provided with food for friends and family attending the funeral, an expense they were unable to meet with out help.
Many families that I know, or have some connection with have received generous, home cooked, healthy meals on a monthly basis. This effort helps relieve financial pressures, as well as meeting emotional needs for feeling cared for.
Carasmark has done many other projects as well. These are the ones that I have seen personally, and have witnesses the value they have, and the positive impact on the children and families.

Mary Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/29/2011

I work for a partnering organization of Carasmark in Wilmington, DE and in this past year I have been able to deliver over 50 meals provided by Carasmark to needy families who are so appreciative. During this year Carasmark also gladly stepped in to provide practical support and care for a woman who lost her very young daughter.

thinkofgod Donor

Rating: 5

04/29/2011

Carasmark was quick to respond to a personal tragedy experienced by someone I knew, while the representative from the organization was sensitive to the needs of the grieving mother.

Nathan Board Member

Rating: 5

04/28/2011

Carasmark is a growing nonprofit with a consistent track record of working hard to maximize its impact with available resources. The organization meets practical needs of children and families in ways that are meaningful and helpful.

KHilferty Board Member

Rating: 5

04/28/2011

Carasmark is local non-profit organization that meets the practical needs of families. I have been involved in many Carasmark fundraising events that have helped provide meals for needy families in the city of Wilmington, over 200 bookbags with supplies for students in Title 1 schools, and provide financial support to families with specific needs. For example, we were recently able to help a family financially whose house burned down. Another example, is hearing about how the families in Wilmington are looking forward to their next delicious home cooked meal. It is exciting to be a part of an organization like Carasmark because it practically looks to serve others in the local community.

Melissa R. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/28/2011

Carasmark is a wonderful nonprofit organization that serves children & families in need! From hot homemade & delivered meals to backpacks loaded with school supplies.
Lots of opportunities to get involved and help your community! Cool fundraisers like tea parties, handmade crafts boutiques and an annual Walk-a-thon! Very family friendly organization to start you & your children on the path to volunteering!

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