Geisinger Patients Receive Blankets from Local Subaru Dealerships Geisinger cancer patients recently received the gift of warmth and comfort from area Subaru dealerships. In partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Subaru of Wyoming Valley and Minooka Subaru delivered blankets and messages of hope to the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Centers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center, respectively. Part of the Subaru Loves to Care campaign, the donations took place Friday, June 21, when representatives from LLS and the Subaru dealerships met Henry Cancer Center staff members and Geisinger leaders at both medical centers. “We’re grateful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Subaru of Wyoming Valley and Minooka Subaru for these heart-felt donations,” said Renee Blakiewicz, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “Patients in cancer care can have difficult days, and gestures of kindness like this can make all the difference when someone needs it most.” Cutlines: 2024 Subaru blanket delivery GWV: Representatives from Subaru of Wyoming Valley and the Leukemia & Lymphoma society met Geisinger leaders and Henry Cancer Center staff members June 21 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center to deliver blankets and messages of hope to cancer patients. 2024 Subaru blanket delivery GCMC: Representatives from Minooka Subaru and the Leukemia & Lymphoma society met Geisinger and Henry Cancer Center leaders June 21 at Geisinger Community Medical Center to deliver blankets and messages of hope to cancer patients.
United Way Receives Generous Donation The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $50,000 from the Hawk Family Foundation, Dunmore, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as well as the allocation process of the United Way. This generous contribution will not only help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy but also be distributed to various agencies throughout NEPA during United Way’s allocation process. The donation was presented on June 25th, 2024 at the Gertrude Hawk corporate location in Dunmore, PA. $25,000 will be directly donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income. The other $25,000 donation are non-designated funds which allows the United Way to distribute them to various programs administered by agencies throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike County that focus on key areas of the United Way; Health, Economic Mobility and Education. “We are incredibly grateful to the Hawk Family Foundation for their generous support of the United Way,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children and families in our community.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from the Hawk Family Foundation will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children and households have the resources they need to succeed.
MFHS Donates Diapers and Baby Wipes to Families in Need Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is pleased to announce that a Mother’s Day Diaper Drive organized by Penn East Federal Credit Union collected 7,500 diapers, 7,000 baby wipes, 177 baby outfits, and $2,000 in cash donations for the families enrolled in their Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) Program. The Penn East FCU Community Involvement Committee (CIC) coordinated the activity at all five Penn East FCU branches during the month of April, with the goal of collecting over 2,000 diapers. “We are so grateful to the staff and customers of Penn East FCU for supporting our Nurse-Family Partnership clients,” said MFHS President and CEO, Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, “The response was incredible, and will make such a difference to the at-risk mothers and children we serve.” The Nurse-Family Partnership program pairs specially trained nurses with at risk, often young, mothers-to-be, beginning early in the pregnancy and continuing until the child’s second birthday. NFP nurses help families prepare for their child, and help them lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Penn East has been an integral part of the community in Lackawanna to, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties for over eighty years. Penn East FCU’s team believes that by assisting and being involved in their membership counties, they can help to create and be a part of a more positive future for Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through the diaper drive, the community-minded credit has made a positive impact in the lives of the local families that MFHS serves.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties Receives Donations The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $2,500 from RJ Burne Cadillac, Scranton, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This generous contribution will help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy. The donation was presented on June 12th, 2024 in RJ Burne Cadillac’s showroom, highlighting the dealership’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income. “We are incredibly grateful to RJ Burne Cadillac for their substantial support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children in our community, giving them access to books and the joy of reading from an early age. Investing in early literacy is crucial for the future success of our children, and we are thrilled to have RJ Burne Cadillac as a partner in this important initiative.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from RJ Burne Cadillac will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children have the resources they need to succeed. For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please visit uwlc.net or contact Matt Ceruti, Vice President of Resource Development and Campaign, 570.343.1267 x234 or mceruti@uwlc.net
Fidelity Bank Awards $833,000 to Non-Profits and Educational Institutions Fidelity Bank recently presented several area non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling $833,000. Here are some of the recipients of some of Fidelity Bank’s latest donations. F.M. Kirby Center Greater Hazelton Partners in Education Wyoming Valley Montessori School Misericordia University WVIA Wilkes-Barre Academy Wyoming Free Library “We are proud to support various community programs that are committed to educational excellence with an eye toward students’ futures,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Fidelity Bank is grateful for the opportunity to invest in generations to come through allocating funds through the EITC program.” The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.
FNCB Bank Donates $25,000 to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania FNCB Bank, locally based for over 114 years, recently donated $25,000 through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Special Program Priorities initiative, to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania for their Beautiful Blocks Program. The Beautiful Blocks program provides matching grants of up to $1,000 per property to groups of five or more residents in participating communities to help them make exterior improvements to their homes. Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process. The support of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
The Dime Bank Supports United Neighborhood Centers The Dime Bank donated $18,000.00 to United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. UNC uses the funding to help run Project Hope Day Camp, a safe, healthy place for low-income families who reside in the City of Scranton to learn and grow during the out-of-school months. Campers learn skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness meditation, physical activity, and connecting with others. It provides an opportunity for children ages 5 to 12 to gather with their peers during four weeks in July for social, educational, recreational, and artistic opportunities that they otherwise would not be able to access. Each child receives nutritional meals and transportation to and from Camp Kelly in Tunkhannock, a 60+ acre country setting. It is expected that 140 youth will participate in this outdoor summer day camp. Jeffrey Roche stated, “At The Dime Bank, we believe that investing in early childhood education is investing in the future of our community. We’re proud to support UNC’s Project Hope and help nurture the bright minds of tomorrow.”
The Honesdale National Bank Supports School District The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support The Susquehanna Community School District as they enhance their educational programs.” He continued, “The best way to get our future generations prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.” The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R):Tina Verrastro, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, Ted Radu, Assistant Trust Officer, along with students and staff of the Susquehanna Community School District.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives $5,000 Donation Sherry Cross delivered a $5,000 check to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore this afternoon. The check represents proceeds from the 2nd annual “Night to Remember” fundraiser in memory of Sherry’s sister, Tracy Gototweski. The event was held at the Back Mountain Brewery in Dallas. There were basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, great food and drinks. “Please accept this donation of $5,000 as a token of our gratitude for all you do. It is an honor to have the opportunity to give back to your wonderful organization. We hope that our efforts will support patients and their families and keep Tracy’s star shining bright,” said Sherry Cross. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey. Pictured l to r: Michael Catalano, Director of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Sherry Cross and Diane Baldi, CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart
The Dime Bank Donates to The Cooperage Project The Dime Bank is proud to support The Cooperage Project’s Pop-Up Club and Romping Radishes programs with a $10,000.00 donation. Both programs at The Cooperage are part of the Earned Income Tax Credit program as an Educational Improvement Organization. Romping Radishes is a hands-on learning experience for kindergarten through second grade focusing on health and community. Interactive activities introduce children to local food production, cultural diversity, social responsibility, and other healthy living and safety topics. The Pop-Up Club is a free after school program for middle school students teaching entrepreneurial skills, various work opportunities, and science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics subjects in a safe, interactive environment. “The Cooperage Project offers students a fun way to continue learning outside of the school environment. We are happy to support this creative community platform,” stated The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. Executive Director Arrah Fisher stated, “On behalf of us all at The Cooperage Project, we thank The Dime Bank for your continued support through the EITC program to support Pop-Up Club and Romping Radishes! We are so very grateful for your generosity.” Project Manager Amanda Masters added, “Thank you once again for the support to run the programs that led to these cute smiles!”The Cooperage Project serves students from Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack Area, Western Wayne Area School Districts and Cyber and Homeschool Students in Wayne and Pike Counties PA. For more information, contact info@thecooperageproject.org.
