Local Realtor® associations volunteer throughout the state

By Kim Shindle
November 14, 2016
11 min.

Thirty-three Realtor® associations across the commonwealth sponsored charity events in October, marking the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® ninth annual Realtors® Reach Out month.

The state and local associations together raised more than $32,000 for charitable organizations last month. Nearly 1,000 Realtors® volunteered their time and more than 1,500 pounds of food was donated to food banks. In addition, 1,050 coats were collected for those in need.

“I’m really blown away by how generous our members are and the unique ways they’re helping in their communities,” said PAR President Todd Polinchock. “Realtors® Reach Out shows we can make a difference.”

The Realtors® Association of York and Adams Counties program had several components to aid the homeless. The association hosted a homeless outreach project with 17 service providers and the following services, breakfast, lunch, trade show and transportation to PennDOT to get identification. The association handed out homeless kits that included toiletries, cold weather gear, a blanket and pillow, socks and gloves. A NAR grant and company donations helped fund the event.

“We learned of similar activities in other cities and thought this was the perfect opportunity to reach out and get into our community,” said Selina Robinson, RAYAC Hands on Helpers committee chair. “The day was more than we expected and very humbling. The service providers were thrilled with the event and we hope to grow it next year.”

The Westmoreland West Association of Realtors® teamed up with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of Special Spaces, a charity that provides bedroom makeovers for children with life-changing illnesses.

“Our members were looking for a program to help children,” according to Brian VanKirk, Realtor® and director of the Special Spaces chapter. “About 20 Realtors® helped paint a 9-year-old boy’s room and provided new furniture and a TV. Our members were very excited to help out.”

Realtors® of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Association President Reed Pirain said his association worked with the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle Up to provide local children with winter clothing. “We made an initial donation of $3,500 and we helped about 10 kids shop for clothing. In addition, we have members who knit hats and gloves and we collect knit wear to give to the homeless. Going out into our community with different service projects is really important to our association and we sponsor projects throughout the year,” Pirain said.

The Montgomery County Association of Realtors® has a history of collecting winter coats to donate to the Montgomery County Family Services. “This year we were thrilled with the response,” said Jane Maslowski, chair of the association’s Community Outreach Committee. “We collected about 1,100 coats from 32 offices and some of those coats were distributed to those in need within hours of the agency receiving them. We join forces with Family Services because we know we can help make a difference throughout the county.”

Associations that sponsored Realtors® Reach Out events in October included: