2012 Donation News

The Greater Scranton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni is proud to recently provide assistance to the following causes. "Thank You" to our members who made this possible:

Penn State Worthington Scranton Athletics Facilities Renovation

The largest chapter donation of 2012 went to the Worthington Scranton Campus (WSC) Athletics Facilities Renovation. Athletics are "integral to the well-being and pride" of the entire WSC student body and also the local community. From the official brochure:

"Higher education today is no longer simply attending class and earning a degree. Penn State Worthington Scranton strives to educate the whole student, teaching personal and professional skills that fall outside the realm of traditional academics. Athletics help students grow personally by developing attributes like teamwork, confidence, and responsibility—lessons that will enable students to become talented and capable leaders in any field. Athletic participation can be especially important at a commuter campus where students do not have the opportunity to interact through residence life experiences. Sporting events build collegiate pride and bring the community together, important in a region where so many of our alumni remain after graduation."

But the current facilities were built almost four decades ago and do not adequately serve those needs. The project includes plans to update the campus' playing and practice fields, Multi-Purpose building, gym and fitness facilities, and equipment. Those enhancements will be a "tremendous benefit" for students, facility/staff and visiting community. Read more about the Facilities Renovation in the official brochure (pdf).

Uplifting Athletes Lift for Life

Donations were given to Uplifting Athletes Lift For Life program in the names of local football players Eric Shrive, Matt McGloin, and J.R. Refice. The Penn State chapter of Uplifting Athletes raises money and awareness for kidney cancer.

The chapter would also like to congratulate Eric Shrive being selected as a finalist for the Rare Disease Champion Award given by Uplifting Athletes. Show your support for Eric by voting online (click here to vote).

Dance Marathon Fundraiser

In November, the chapter donated to the second annual Zumba-THON at Penn State Worthington Scranton Campus to benefit Penn State Dance Marathon.

Holiday Donations

This year Membership Chairperson, Allison McGoff, found five local organizations to possibly receive the chapter's Holiday Donation. Board member, Mike Rescigno, in review wrote: "Unfortunately, all of these organizations are struggling. Rather than pick one, perhaps we can give [a partial amount to each]. This results in donating a little more than normal, but we are in a position this year to help more." The chapter officers and board members thought this was a "great idea" and agreed to it. Below are the five local organizations to receive Holiday Donations:

1. Voluntary Action Center/Holiday Bureau

The Christmas Holiday Bureau was established in 1950 to provide limited financial assistance to low-income families in Lackawanna County during the Holiday Season. Through gift cards, eligible recipients can purchase clothing, food or toys to help make the holiday season special to them. Donations of $1.00 and above are received from individuals, businesses, organizations, faith-based organizations and schools to help provide assistance to over 3,000 individuals each year. Gift Cards are presented to families in time for holiday spending on food, clothing or toys.

2. Lackawanna County Adopt an Angel Program

The annual program provides holiday gifts to youngsters who are in foster care or who receive services from the county’s Office of Children and Youth. Currently, sponsors are needed for over 100 children and youth. In order to ensure that all children in a family receive an equitable amount of gifts, sponsors are asked to spend approximately $100 per child. . The program also accepts monetary donations, a new unwrapped gift or a gift card. Each and every contribution is greatly appreciated.

3. Catherine McAuley Center – Shelter for Homeless Women & Children

The Catherine McAuley Center’s Adopt A Family Program matches local families with needy families and their children in Northeastern Pennsylvania during the Christmas holiday season. Many of our families do not have enough money to meet basic needs let alone purchase gifts. But thanks to the efforts of generous donors, the Program has delivered love and smiles to approximately 2,000 individuals each year.

Adopting families is a perfect idea for clubs, organizations, churches and schools that wish to help families in a special way. There are three ways to get involved.

4. United Neighborhood Centers/Angel’s Attic Food Pantry

Angel’s Attic serves more than 20,000 individuals each year. With the help of community donations, UNC provides clothing, food, household items and personal hygiene products free of cost to our most vulnerable of neighbors. Because need knows no timeframe, Angel’s Attic is open year-round. Those with the organization said traditionally between Thanksgiving and Christmas is when they get the most donations, but many times the rest of the year, the shelves can sometimes be bare.

5. Meals on Wheels – Lackawanna County

Meals on Wheels in Lackawanna County had its state funding slashed by $30,000 back in September, leaving hundreds of seniors on a waiting list for meals. Now as the organization braces for more potential cuts, it’s looking to the community for help. The organization is sending out a letter to about 2,000 homes in Lackawanna County appealing for donations. It would send more, but the money for postage just isn’t there. Workers say they hope donations can offset any budget cuts and keep these deliveries that mean so much running.