NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – According to Miriam Webster Dictionary Online, “charity” is defined as “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; aid given to those in need.”

A Charity Organization is a group of people who have come together in order to provide aid and services to those in need. Charity and Charity Organizations are an important part of all communities, and our Redbank Valley community is no different. As a community, we came together on Thursday, May 10 during the Day of Giving to support local groups that work to help our neighbors who are in need and to make the community a better place for all.

The 8 not-for-profit organizations that benefited from the Day of Giving are: Brandon’s Dad (DUI Awareness), New Bethlehem Fire Department Company #1, Redbank Renaissance, Redbank Valley Church Association, Redbank Valley Community Center, Redbank Valley Education Association, Redbank Valley Public Library, and Redbank Valley Trails Association.

Vern Hilyer provides DUI awareness programs for high school students across Western Pennsylvania through his “Brandon’s Dad” program. He has been doing this since 2008, after losing his son to a DUI accident. Mr. Hilyer uses the money raised during the Day of Giving to pay for his travel expenses and to produce the hand out materials that he uses in his program.

He told RVO, “The Day of Giving gives non-profits the opportunity to let people know that we need their help. People have the ability to make a difference in a teenager’s life and the people who donate, make my work possible.”

The Redbank Valley Community Center is tasked with providing an environment of encouragement, education, and entertainment to meet the needs of the Redbank Valley area. To fulfill that mission, the charity has programs for people of all ages, with the roster of possibilities growing. Current programs include a weekly senior gathering, community youth group, Weight Watchers, and a knitters and crocheters group. The Center also rents its facility for parties and gatherings. Mrs. Jennifer Gold is the manager of the Community Center. Mrs. Gold told RVO that the Community Center will use funds raised during the Day of Giving for their upcoming summer events. She listed them as 1st Friday Concerts, String Art Night, a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, “Pup Night”, a “Mom to Mom sale”, a Family Movie Night, a Bible Study, and Yoga, Stamping and Knitting groups. A “Father-Daughter Dance” and a “Mother-Son” event will wrap up the summer activities.

According to Mrs. Gold, the Day of Giving is one of the two biggest fund drives during the year. “There simply would not be a Community Center without the support of the Community during these fundraisers.” Mrs. Gold said.

The Redbank Valley Public Library provides basic information and literary services for the community. The library’s goal is to bring people, ideas, and information together to enrich lives and improve our community. Newly hired Library Director Jaylene Smith reported that the library uses the Day of Giving revenue for general library expenses and staffing. She said as of early Thursday afternoon, the library seemed to be running a little behind last year, but she said she hoped to match 2017’s donations.

Ms. Smith told RVO that the “Day of Giving is a valuable community event that lets the organizations gauge the value of the services we provide and an opportunity to bring the community together through giving.”

Sandy Mateer, President of the Redbank Valley Trails Association said that her group had a number of large projects that the Day of Giving funds will go toward. She said that the group hopes to complete the development of the 3 mile Sligo Spur by the end of this year. The spur needs more grading, drainage, and surfacing before it is complete. Mrs. Mateer also told us that the Trail Association hopes to improve the rail once the Acid Mine Remediation project is completed on the Trail at the edge of the borough above M & S Meats. All of the funding for the remediation has been provided by a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. There is a quarter of a mile of the trail being worked on above M & S Meats. There is also a need for some new surfacing on the main trail. Mrs. Mateer said that when these two projects are completed, the entire 51 miles of trail will be available to walkers and bikers.  Memorial donations for tables, benches, shelters, and bridges are welcome.  Along with developing and maintaining the trail, the Redbank Valley Trails Association is working with the Towns and Trails Regional Initiative and Redbank Renaissance group to encourage and develop trail related tourism businesses in the Redbank Valley. Volunteers are welcome!

Mrs. Mateer also serves as the President of Redbank Renaissance. This organization has a mission to revitalize and improve the appearance and, hence, the quality of life in the community. Redbank Renaissance is also involved with the Redbank Valley Historical Society and is working on a 20th-century history of the area as well as working toward developing a genealogical society and a museum. She said that this year’s fundraising will go toward improving the plantings at the parklet by the dam, finishing the history and hopefully finding a permanent home for the group.  The Renaissance group received dedicated funds for the Garden Keepers for planting and improving the parklet by the dam.  Another area that Renaissance would like to develop more is promotional brochures and improved signage along the trail to enhance trailside businesses.

Mrs. Mateer said, “The Day of Giving is an opportunity for local organizations to cooperate and not to compete and a unique opportunity for charitable giving to remain in the community with minimal administrative costs. The local Day of Giving gives the best value and return to charitable giving.”

The newly established Redbank Valley Education Foundation is the newest non-profit to participate in the Day of Giving. The Foundation was created to give the Redbank Valley School District a new way to support students and the school community. Mr. Michael Drzewiecki, Redbank Valley School District Superintendent said that the Foundation has established a scholarship fund that will only use returns from invested donations and not the donations themselves. He also said that the Foundation donations would also be used to defray the costs of Art and Advanced Placement programs in the district. Donors can also donate for a specific item, program or event. One of this year’s donors has donated for a 3-D printer for the High School.

When asked his thoughts on the Day of Giving, Mr. Drzewiecki said, “I think it is a community event; reaching out to the community and inviting their participation in the District. I also like that the resources that are donated stay in the community.”

New Bethlehem Fire Company #1 also shared their appreciation for the community’s support. Fire company representative Edward Goth spoke on behalf of the Fire company by expressing their gratitude for the folks who help to support their volunteer efforts throughout the year. Goth said “the funds will be used to help replace aging equipment and hand tools for our firefighters.” New Bethlehem Fire Company # 1 is a completely volunteer fire company covering approximately 56.5 square miles, including New Bethlehem Borough, Porter Township and parts of Redbank Township, Clarion Co. and South Bethlehem Borough in Armstrong Co. for fire, rescue and emergency response, as well as community service. The department also provides mutual aid to neighboring fire companies. Most of the equipment and training is funded by donations. Equipment and training need to be maintained and constantly upgraded with the latest technology to meet compliance and safety regulations. Better equipment enables the volunteers to save lives and property faster and more effectively.

Not only do these local non – profits give residents local charities to support with money, they are also great places for people who want to get involved in the community to volunteer. All of the charities mentioned would welcome new volunteers. You may not know what you have to offer until you do. RVO would like to thank all of our neighbors who donated locally during this year’s Day of Giving.

Note: The initial tally of the Day of Giving donations is reported as being in the $30,000+ range.  Well done, Redbank Valley, well done!  Please contact any of these organizations if you have talents, skills, and ideas to volunteer.

THANK YOU:
A special ‘thank you’ to Cecelia Harmon, John Gerow and Gordon Barrows of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org for supporting the Day of Giving with their time, talent and resources.

ABOUT:
The Redbank Valley Day of Giving is a committee of local non-profits who cooperatively promote their efforts to support the Redbank Valley community by organizing a day where folks are able to show their support through a financial contribution/donation. All local 501(C)(3) non-profits in the Redbank Valley area are welcomed to participate!

MEETINGS:
A tentative date of Thursday, May 9, 2019 has been set for the 3^rd Annual Redbank Valley Day of Giving which we hope will continue to grow and attract more support for our local organizations.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley Day of Giving, please call 814.275.1718 or visit RedbankValley.org/giving