Realtors® Reach Out throughout the Commonwealth

PAR’s Realtors® Reach Out program kicks off today. This month-long program focuses on the many contributions Realtors® make to their communities. As I’ve traveled throughout the state this year, I’ve witnessed firsthand the commitment our members have to their neighborhoods. It’s really inspirational.

Many of the local associations have come up with creative and unique ways to raise money and awareness for a variety of causes, included food banks, Habitat for Humanity, domestic violence shelters and more.

This week, PAR’s Board of Directors started the efforts with a very successful food collection for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank distributes more than 40 million pounds of food and grocery products every year to more than 800 soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries in 27 central Pennsylvania counties. PAR’s staff will be volunteering at the food bank later this month.

Over the last seven years, more than 9,000 members have made a significant difference statewide collectively raising more than $327,000, and collecting 43,500 pounds of food for charitable organizations throughout the state. That’s incredible! You’ve made a significant impact on those in need.

At my own local association, the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP), they’ve made this a yearlong project. The association has recruited contributions of material from members, which were distributed to volunteers – members and nonmembers – to sew or knit hats and scarves to be distributed to the homeless in shelters like the Salvation Army and Shepherd’s Heart Veterans Home. They’ve also sponsored the sale of items to be able to purchase gloves and socks for distribution as well.

Other associations we’ve heard from include:

• Beaver County Realtors® will hold their annual Charity Auction to benefit several local charities.
• Bradford-Sullivan Realtors® will sponsor a food drive.
• Bucks County Realtors® will host two Halloween parties for families in two homeless shelters; collect food for Thanksgiving Dinner Bags; and host a blood drive for the American Red Cross.
• Butler County Realtors® will hold its Night at the Races event and a food drive to benefit the Butler County Veterans in Need and Winter Relief Center.
• Cambria-Somerset Realtors® will donate socks and blankets to the homeless in Somerset County and will distribute fresh produce to needy families in Cambria County.
• Central Susquehanna Valley Realtors® will collect grocery store gift cards to distribute to area food banks.
• Greater Erie Realtors® will sponsor a Halloween Games and Ghouls event to benefit Habitat of Erie.
• Greater Harrisburg Realtors® will work in three locations including Project SHARE, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and New Hope Ministries.
• Greater Leigh Valley Realtors® will partner with Habitat for Humanity to build and renovate a home.
• Greater Wilkes-Barre Realtors® will hold a food drive at its 100^th anniversary clam bake celebration to be donated to the Nanticoke Food Pantry.
• Lancaster County Realtors® will host its 27^th annual LCAR Charity Dinner to benefit the Transitional Living Center in Lancaster.
• Lebanon County Realtors® will hold its 19^th Habitat for Humanity Benefit Auction.
• Montgomery County Realtors® are planning a coat drive for Family Services of Montgomery County.
• Pen-Mar Regional Realtors® held a Habitat for Humanity Build and will present proceeds from its 21^st Annual Golf Tournament.
• Reading-Berks Realtors® will gather donations for the Berks Women in Crisis.
• Realtors® of York and Adams Counties will collect donations for the local food banks and pet shelters in conjunction with their annual meeting.
• Suburban West Realtors® will hold their annual Coin Drive and Raffle to benefit Philabundance Food Bank.
• West Branch Valley Realtors® will collect gift cards to give to the Children and Youth Services to help families with children purchase clothing and school supplies.