Remembering September 11th for Rajant is an active condition, and 2020 was no exception. Memorializing the fallen was paired with honoring those who are positively impacting the world around us. A stage was set, special guests were spotlighted, and donations were made to seven organizations in Rajant’s home communities within Pennsylvania and Kentucky that are doing good works to better citizens in the United States and around the globe.
As we move into the season of giving, which culminates into the worldwide generosity movement of #GivingTuesday this December 1st, here are some of the good works Rajant supports. Needs are great and kindness uplifting. May the testimony of our honorees in September spark you to set about finding organizations to help in your hometown.
Beneficiaries this year included police departments from Pennsylvania’s Lower Merion, Tredyffrin Township, and Upper Merion. Dollars given will augment police-sponsored youth athletic programs, K-9 patrol units, and summer kids camps, to name a few. With us to receive well-deserved praise and contributions were Lt. Peter Sharpe (Lower Merion), Lt. Tim Brown (Tredyffrin), and Lt. Jeff Maurer (Upper Merion).
According to Lt. Maurer, “Upper Merion Township Police used Rajant’s donation to help fund our Nation Night Out event on October 6th, 2020 (pictured above), which enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under favorable circumstances. This year’s National Night Out was a neighborhood tour for Upper Merion’s police officers with six stops along the way. Our goal was to see as many of our residents as possible, while building a stronger community. Several local businesses, like Mission BBQ, and township residents assisted with our event, which was a huge success. Money from Rajant allowed us to purchase several items to handout along the way, and we are grateful.”
Kenneth Winston, Executive Director for the historic Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center (PA), shared, “The #1 thing the Melton Center provides is a welcoming place to go regardless of condition. If we cannot help you, we will find someone who will. We continue to serve the last, the least, and the left behind. When I arrived at the Center, there were no programs, events, and few activities. The place needed a comeback, and that need fed my desire to begin programs, fundraise, and rekindle the Center’s significant historical focus on equal rights, which dates back to the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Motivating me into action, the last ten years have been spent on entire facility renovations, creating sustainable programs, and developing partners, like Rajant Corporation. In the coming months, the Melton Center will be building apartments for the neediest residents in West Chester (PA). Rajant’s support awareness and goes to other tangible improvements, like providing computers and a soundboard.”
Home of the Sparrow partners with women facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability, and chart new paths for their future. In the words of Director of Development Kathleen Sanger, “Single women and their children are among the most vulnerable populations. Knowing we are helping people in our own backyard is both rewarding and humbling. Companies, like Rajant, make that possible. On this upcoming #GivingTuesday, our garage is almost empty. The garage is where we store donations of paper goods and cleaning supplies that we distribute to our participants. These supplies help our women stretch their food budgets further. Donations of paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, feminine hygiene products, cleaning products, laundry and dish detergent, shampoo, conditioner, and gift cards to grocery stores are desperately needed. By using #GivingGarage and #WinterWhiteOut, along with our URL and #GivingTuesday, will amplify donation efforts via social media.”
Jennifer Paradis Behle serves on the UNICEF USA’s New York Regional Board and actively advocates within the Philadelphia-metro to drive caring and support for the world’s children. “UNICEF’s tagline “For Every Child” is no joke,” said Jennifer. “UNICEF has brought me to places, like Amman, Jordan. Families there are essentially living in roadside dirt with no resources other than their desire to live. Children orphaned by war, disease, and starvation are provided vaccines, education, and mental health care through UNICEF donations. This brings me joy, and receiving Rajant support makes a difference. What UNICEF needs #ForEveryChild is unrestricted funds, so that they can match funding with children’s highest need in a given moment.”
Nancy Hale is President and CEO of Kentucky’s Operation UNITE, a 501(c) (3) founded in 2003. ‘UNITE’ is an acronym for Unlawful Narcotic Investigations, Treatment, and Education. Nancy testified, “Each day Operation UNITE gives hope of recovery with the promise of a drug-free future for our youth and communities in southern and eastern Kentucky. At the top of our wish list is additional funding for youth education and prevention as well as leadership programs. UNITE helps young people look beyond their potential, and funding is critical.” Introspectively Nancy concluded, “Operation UNITE is so much more than just a nonprofit in southeastern Kentucky. Our mission of saving lives and providing hope is extremely personal for my family. On behalf of those children and youth who will be impacted by Rajant’s generosity toward those you have never met, I am honored to be their voice and to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, we are #UNITEStrong.”