LANCASTER, Pa. — For 107 years, Rhoads Energy has built a tradition of giving back to the community. Now, in 2024, the company has added another chapter to that history.
Three years ago, the
regional energy provider created the Rhoads Energy Community & Family
Grant Program. Through the Grant Program, a rotating committee of Rhoads
Energy team members distributes $10,000 in grant funding to deserving
non-profits in southcentral Pennsylvania.
“The Grant Program is a great way to focus our charitable efforts so they have a real impact,” said Michael DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy. “Rhoads Energy is an employee-owned company, so it makes sense for our team members to make financial decisions about support for community groups.”
This year, the committee reviewed a record number of applications, ultimately awarding a total of $10,000 in grants to four organizations doing great work in our region:
POWER PACKS PROJECT This vital program touches children who suffer from food
insecurity. Power Packs offers education and ingredients to empower families to
create nutritious weekend meals, so their children return to school fed and
ready to learn.
THE
READING SCIENCE CENTER Hundreds of area students visit this popular field trip destination. The Rhoads Energy grant will purchase kits for the Center’s classroom lab, where students perform a supervised experiment. Students also receive a second kit to recreate the experiment at home.
BENCH MARK PROGRAM
This organization provides opportunities to under-served youth.
Bench Mark creates positive gym spaces where kids can feel safe, understood,
and empowered. The program includes physical exercise, academic counseling, and
career coaching.
ANCHOR LANCASTER
This highly respected non-profit provides hot meals, warm showers, and
other support to those experiencing homelessness. Anchor Lancaster offers a
welcoming safe environment, receiving guests with dignity, respect, and
compassion.
Representatives of Rhoads Energy made the donations to each
recipient group over the past few weeks. DeBerdine hopes the grants will remind
others to donate or volunteer to these or other worthy organizations. This
fall, the company will begin accepting applications for its 2025 Community
& Family Grant Program.
# #
#
Rhoads Energy offers heating oil, natural gas, and propane delivery;
fleet fueling and commercial services; and a wide range of other offerings. The
company also operates Rhoads Air, a division of 50+ experienced technicians
that installs and services heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and other
equipment. In 2022, the company celebrated its 105th year of continuous service. The employee-owned organization serves Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. For information, visit www.RhoadsEnergy.com.