The Sept. 18 effort helped kick off United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 32nd annual Day of Caring, which unites people who want to contribute to projects at more than 50 nonprofits throughout Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Attracting as many as 1,500 volunteers, Day of Caring is the region’s largest single day of community service.
One attendee at the Sept. 18 Day of Caring was Samantha Shaak, vice president of community health for LVHN, who is also executive director of Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health (LPPIH). An institute within LVHN, LPPIH focuses on improving community health and well-being by fostering collaboration between community groups and programs, and addressing the community’s vital conditions.
“We are pleased to be able to give even a little assistance to Second Harvest Food Bank, which has done so much for food insecurity in our region,” Shaak says. “In fiscal year 2024, the organization distributed more than 16 million pounds of food to help children, seniors, families and communities. We’re proud to lend a hand in that effort.”
Serving those in need is a philosophy that further connects LVHN and Jefferson, and the combined organization is actively involved in philanthropic activities. A program called JeffCARES empowers members of the Jefferson community to take action to address critical social needs, encourage engagement and make a meaningful impact in diverse neighborhoods and communities.
JeffCARES has partnered with nonprofits such as Philabundance, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and others.
