The Wright Center Encourages Donating for National Donor Day The Wright Center promotes the upcoming National Donor Day, which is observed every year on Feb. 14. Also on Valentine’s Day, The Wright Center encourages individuals to take a moment on that lovely day to consider the many benefits of donation, organ and otherwise. Started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and the United Auto Workers, with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Donor Day focuses on spreading awareness about organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets, and marrow donation. The day also recognizes those who have given and received the gift of life through donation, who are currently waiting for a transplant, and who have tragically passed away while awaiting a donation. It’s a highly noble cause, especially when considering the critical need for the many types of donation. Statistics always put things in perspective, so here are a few to ponder, courtesy of the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance: A new name is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes; An average of 20 people die every day waiting for a transplant; One organ donor can save up to eight lives; A single donor can restore eyesight to two people; 70 percent of bone marrow patients don’t have a matching donor in their family; Every 30 seconds, someone needs platelets, which are essential for patients battling cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries; Roughly every two seconds, someone requires a blood transfusion, which, taken as a whole, equates to more than 41,000 daily donations. Of course, I should note that registering as an organ and tissue donor means thinking about events that will transpire after your death, which, for most people, isn’t the easiest thing to contemplate. That’s why discussing these matters with your loved ones is important, ensuring your wishes are understood and honored. Want to learn more about becoming a donor here in Pennsylvania? Visit donatelifepa.org, the website for Donate Life Pennsylvania, a collaboration between the Gift of Life Donor Program, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education, and the state Departments of Health and Transportation. The initiative is funded by voluntary contributions made via driver’s license renewals, vehicle registrations, and state income tax filings that are then used by the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund to inform state residents about the importance of organ and tissue donation and to increase the number of people who sign up to become donors on their driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state identification card. Among its big advocacy events is the annual PA Donor Day, which we at The Wright Center have proudly supported and will continue to support. To read more about our advocacy efforts, go to TheWrightCenter.org/our-stories. Becoming a donor is, as the people at Donate Life Pennsylvania put it, “the greatest gift you can give.” So, if you haven’t become one yet, please consider it seriously. It’s truly an excellent way to make a difference in this world. Dr. Timothy Burke, is a board-certified internal medicine physician. He accepts adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley and Scranton practices. Dr. Burke is also the associate program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency.
FNCB Bank Donates to Howard Gardner MI Charter School FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $10,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the Howard Gardner MI Charter School in Scranton. FNCB’s grant will be used to support their Environmental, Agricultural and STEAM Camp programs. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of the Howard Gardner MI Charter School is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. A true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
Viewmont Mall Supports Community with Back to School Drive Viewmont Mall is celebrating the upcoming academic year by encouraging our local community to “Let’s Pull Together!” Viewmont Mall is partnering with local nonprofit, Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, to set all students up for a successful school year. From August 1 through September 6, shoppers can drop off their donations of backpacks and school supplies for students in need. The donation bin is conveniently located in Center Court. Shoppers will also be able to check the progress of how much has been collected and encourage the community to “Let’s Pull Together!” “We want this school year to be a success for students, and with the partnership of Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, we are excited to provide tools for students to reach their achievements,” said Rosemary Bohenek, Marketing Coordinator for Viewmont Mall. Being prepared for learning with the essential supplies is the first step for students to reach their academic goals. Suggested supplies for the drive include: BackpacksLunchboxesPens and pencils, Highlighters, Colored pencils, crayons, and markersGlue sticksFolders, Notebooks & Loose-leaf paper To assist shoppers in their search for school supplies and backpacks to support the “Let’s Pull Together” drive, items can be found at the following retailers: Shoe DepartmentDick’s Sporting GoodsClaire’sMacy’sJCPenney Viewmont Mall will also ring in the new school year by hosting the “Back to School Get Together” Viewmont Mall Back to School Get Together on Saturday, August 20 from 12 – 2 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring a donation to the school supply drive. Kids will have the opportunity to decorate notebooks (while supplies last) and enjoy other activities including music, magic show, character appearances, glitter tattoos, balloon art and more.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual NEPA Gives Friday, June 3rd 225+ local nonprofits joining together for historic giving day. ‘Give Gathering’ taking place in Downtown Scranton to celebrate The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors, will host the third annual NEPA Gives event on Friday, June 3, 2022.Promoted as the single largest day of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is a one-day, 24-hour, online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community. NEPA Gives aims to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and aims to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds. Over 225 nonprofit organizations from across seven counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania will participate in NEPA Gives on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds and prizes have been secured, provided by various community partners, businesses, and sponsors that make donations to participating nonprofits during NEPA Gives stretch even further. Adding to the excitement, to celebrate NEPA Gives, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is also hosting an in-person NEPA Gives ‘Give Gathering’ that will be held at the Hilton Scranton Conference Center from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, to coincide with First Friday Scranton. The Give Gathering will include live entertainment, giveaways, real-time and live-streamed updates on NEPA Gives, and opportunities for the general public to meet many of the participating nonprofits. This event is free to attend. To celebrate this historical and monumental giving day, both Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown have made official proclamations declaring June 3, 2022, as NEPA Gives Day. “NEPA Gives is all about supporting charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We have teamed up with various community partners and businesses eager to provide support for NEPA Gives and we are thrilled to announce that we have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives, bonuses, and matching funds available to participating nonprofits which helps make charitable donations go further during NEPA Gives. This year, we are looking forward to gathering in person in Scranton to celebrate the momentum of NEPA Gives and highlight the good work of the many participating nonprofits taking part in NEPA Gives.” Members of the community wishing to make a contribution for NEPA Gives can visit www.nepagives.org anytime between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, to make a secure donation to any of the 225+ participating nonprofit organizations. This is the third year for NEPA Gives. In its second year, NEPA Gives raised over $1.2 million for 218 nonprofit organizations. To learn more about #NEPAGives, visit nepagives.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
NEPA Gives is Tomorrow NEPA Gives—a one-day online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community. Scranton Area Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Endless Mountains have teamed up to host NEPA Gives. For 24 hours—from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m.—on Friday, June 3, 2022, donors may make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through the NEPA Gives online platform. Donations to participating nonprofits will be enhanced with bonus funds provided by NEPA Gives sponsors—making donor dollars stretch further! Nonprofits will also be eligible for cash prizes. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania can participate in NEPA Gives. And, anyone can donate!
Women’s Resource Center Wish List The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) works to end domestic and sexual violence against women, children, teenagers, and men. Women and children fleeing domestic violence are often in need of many essential items: Gift Cards for groceriesGas CardsColts Bus PassesPhone CardsGift Cards for Car RepairRetail Gift CardsNew Car SeatsChildren’s PajamasNew Women’s SocksNew Women’s UnderwearWomen’s PajamasHair Care Products for Women of ColorJournals/NotebooksPocket CalendarsShampoo/Conditioner/Body WashTampons, PadsHairbrushes/Combs New Hair DryersNew Towels & WashclothsNew Bed Sheets & PillowcasesCookware-Pots & PansUtensils and silverwarePlates, Cups, BowlsBackpacks for Boys & GirlsSchool SuppliesFlash DrivesNew Small Household AppliancesLaundry DetergentLaundry BasketPet Food (Dry and Canned) *smaller bags*Cat Litter KITCHEN Dishes setGlasses setPots/pans setDish drying rackDish towels/clothsCooking utensil setKnife blockToasterCoffee makerSet of SilverwareGarbage Can BEDROOM Bedding/sheets pillowsMattress coverBedroom garbage can BATHROOM Shower linerShower curtain (set w/bath rug)Garbage canBathroom towels KID’S ROOMS Crib sheets/liner if applicableTwin bed sheets for kids/comforter sets Other Neutral window CurtainsSmall vacuumsCleaning suppliesBroom/dust pan We do not accept: Used Clothing or sample sized or hotel toiletries. Places that do accept these items are:Angels Attic- United Neighborhood Center – 570 343-8835 Safety Net- (570) 347-4730