News



It May Just Be Old Clothing To You…
October 12, 2007

BETHLEHEM, PA – Companies are helping Via of the Lehigh Valley raise money for programs for children with disabilities in a unique way this fall. D&B and other Lehigh Valley companies are hosting clothing drives to benefit Via’s Children’s Services.

In partnership with Waste Management, Via works with local companies to collect employees’ unwanted clothing for resale in Via Thrift Stores. Clothing can be in any condition, new, worn or poor. Items that cannot be sold in the Thrift Stores because of tears, stains or missing buttons are sold on the international clothing market to benefit individuals in extreme poverty. Proceeds from the sale of employees’ donated items benefit Via’s programs for children, helping provide a bright future for children with disabilities. All children deserve a bright and healthy start in life and local companies are making a difference by hosting a Via Clothing Drive.

“Everyone has old or unused clothing in their homes that they need to get rid of,” said Gina Althouse, spokesperson for D&B’s Center Valley volunteer community outreach group.

“Having Via coordinate a drive like it is, done right on D&B’s site, made it an opportunity too good to pass up. Add that to the most important component - the wonderful programs and services that the drive supports - makes it a win/win situation for everyone involved.”

Waste Management is helping by hosting containers on company sites for employees to deposit their donations in special Via Clothing Drive Bags. Via provides bags to companies for distribution to their employees to fill with unwanted clothing, shoes, linens, purses, etc.

“We strongly believe in reducing, reusing and recycling whenever possible,” said Tom Ashelman, Waste Management Major Accounts Manager.

“Our partnership with Via creates a unique situation where items are reused for an important cause - helping people in our community. We strive to be a good community partner and Via provides vital services for children and adults with disabilities living in the Lehigh Valley. Waste Management is proud to support Via in this effort.”

Companies provide the Via Clothing Drive bags throughout their facility in prime locations like cafeterias and employee entrances. In D&B’s case, bags were distributed to each employee at their desk along with information about the Via Clothing Drive and a receipt to be completed for tax purposes. Each bag holds about 10 pounds and several companies participating in the Via Clothing Drives have requested more bags to meet employee demand.

“As a larger company in this area, D&B has a large presence in the Lehigh Valley and most of the Center Valley employees live in the area in which they work,” said Althouse.

“They are extremely generous when it comes to supporting various community events and charitable organizations. We think it's very important to stay actively involved in supporting the area in which we live to promote a greater sense of community.”

Five area businesses have already concluded their Via Clothing Drives. Crayola starts their Clothing Drive later this week and Just Born is half way through their drive. Businesses participating in Via Clothing Drives through October:

Olympus’ drive concluded this week. Demand for Via Clothing Drive bags was so high that Via had to deliver more supplies two additional times. “We distributed the bags in key locations to remind and encourage employees to participate,” said David Willard, Olympus America Inc Director of Marketing & Community Services.

“It worked - they kept picking up bags day after day. Via made it easy for employees to respond by providing the bags and daily pick-up of the donated clothing. Via has a long history and an established track record of providing much-needed services to children in the Lehigh Valley."

"We hoped we would get a ton of clothing, but we've already surpassed that target. Now we're going for two tons." Olympus exceeded their goal – their final total was over 5,800 pounds of clothing.

Large companies like Olympus and D&B were each provided with over 1,500 bags for employees while smaller companies like Cambridge Integrated Services and Five Thousand Forms requested 100 bags.

“Big or small, every company can make a difference,” said Ron Rucker, Via President and CEO.

“Our goal is to distribute 10,000 bags this Fall and start again in the Spring just in time for everyone’s Spring cleaning. While it may just be old clothing to you, it’s much more to a child with a disability. Via’s Clothing Drives have the potential to collect a great deal of clothing this fall. So far we’ve collected almost 13,000 pounds of clothing and the proceeds benefit our programs for children with disabilities.”

This Fall alone, Via’s Clothing Drives will provide Via the unique opportunity to inform more than 7,500 people about Via’s Children’s Services and how a donation of clothing will help support programs for children with disabilities, Rucker added.

“Recognizing developmental issues and treating them early is vital in the growth of children,” said Julie DePhillips, Via’s Director of Children’s Services.

“And all children should have the opportunity to learn and socialize with their peers. When you donate your unwanted clothing to Via, you make a difference in a family’s life.”

Via’s Early Intervention program works with infants and toddlers to identify and treat delays and include caregivers in the process so therapy can continue at home and be incorporated in the family’s daily routines. Early identification and age-appropriate therapies are critical to the well being of children with disabilities, added DePhillips.
“Via believes that all children should have the same opportunities to learn and grow with their peers,” said DePhillips.

“Our Inclusive Early Learning program ensures all children have the opportunity to develop and learn alongside their friends by training early learning facilities to provide care and education for children with special needs.”

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities. Via’s staff help more than 1,000 individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in four areas: Children’s Services, Community & Volunteer Services, Employment Services and Residential Services. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via and these services.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycare center staff so children with disabilities can go to school and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people volunteer in the community, participate in leisure activities, and find or purchase affordable, accessible housing. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via.

To learn how your company - big or small - can host a Via Clothing Drive, email Via@ViaNet.org, visit Via online at www.ViaNet.org or call 484-893-5390.

Lisa Walkiewicz
Communications Director
484-893-5390