We Are UGI: Supporting Nonprofits in the Wyoming Valley

UGI Utilities employees recently volunteered for United Way of Wyoming Valley’s Day of Caring, which unites hundreds of volunteers to help nonprofit organizations in the Wyoming Valley area complete needed work projects and to learn more about the organizations’ missions and needs. Day of Caring provides the community with the opportunity to be part of what the United Way does all year long – mobilize people and resources to build stronger communities by partnering with local organizations to meet community needs.

This year’s Day of Caring consisted of 55 projects, with a total of 756 volunteers – nearly 60 of which were from UGI Utilities. The efforts of all volunteers resulted in a nearly $100,000 value to the Wyoming Valley.

UGI Utilities employees participated in projects at four sites, including the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) in Ashley, PA; PAK Pediatrics’ Fresh Food Family Market in Kingston, PA; Patriots Cove in Noxen, PA; and Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Plains, PA.

EPCAMR aims to encourage the reclamation and redevelopment of land affected by past mining practices. This includes reducing hazards to health and safety, eliminating soil erosion, improving water quality, and returning land affected by past mining practices to productive use. Volunteers helped to clean the streambank of Solomon Creek in Wilkes-Barre. Nearly 2,500 pounds of trash were removed by volunteers, including a soaked mattress, a metal bed frame set, and illegally dumped drywall and insulation.

In partnership with the Commission for Economic Opportunity (CEO), PAK Pediatrics hosts a Fresh Food Family Market Distribution outside of their location the third Friday of every month. UGI volunteers helped to set up the drive-through distribution site and distributed fresh food to an estimated 300 families.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to spend the day with coworkers and friends; we laughed and did something positive that was greatly appreciated by many of the individuals that came through our distribution line,” said volunteer Susan N.

Patriots Cove is an 18-acre refuge that was founded by military veteran Jeff Swire and his spouse to help veterans, first responders, and their caregivers heal and adapt to life after service. Our employees helped Patriots Cove prepare for their fishing tournament by setting up tents, performing outdoor maintenance, and stocking fish in the creek.

“The head of the Patriot’s Cove organization, Jeff, is a high-energy and fun individual to work with. He always explains how our work is going to impact their next Veteran’s outing,” said volunteer Nate S.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace believes that no kid should sleep on the floor. Kids need sleep to function and perform in school like a normal, happy child. The organization’s mission is to build, assemble, and deliver bunk beds to children and families in need. During Day of Caring, volunteers helped to build beds for distribution to local families.

“We made beds for children that do not have one. With my background, I have seen kids that have been dealt with an unfortunate hand and I’m always willing to help kids have a fighting chance at life,” said volunteer Joseph S.

We thank our employees for their continued support of United Way and their partner agencies.

Follow UGI Utilities on Facebook (@UGIUtilities), Twitter (@UGI_Utilities) and Instagram (@ugiutilities) or visit https://www.ugi.com/community-programs to learn more about how UGI supports the community.