Giving Project 2022

Always inspired by the generosity of others, the MKSD team once again got into the holiday spirit by taking part in their annual “giving project”.  Each employee was provided the opportunity to donate $100 to a charity of their choice.  We believe in giving back to our community and hope to inspire others to do the same!

Here are the local and national charities that were chosen and a brief explanation about why.

Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor                                                     https://www.tailsofvalor.org/

“Tails of Valor trains service dogs for Veterans suffering from PTSD and other physical disabilities to aid them in their everyday lives.  They have visited us a few times in the office giving us a break during the day for some much-needed interaction with the pups in training. It would be an honor to be able to support this organization and their mission.” – Jack

Monroe County Historical Association                                   https://www.monroehistorical.org/

“Monroe County’s history is a personal connection for me and my family of 5+ generations. It is a pleasure to be a part in support of Monroe County Historical Association, helping to ensuring Monroe County’s past is preserved for future generations.” – John

Equi-librium                                                                                      https://www.equi-librium.org/

“’Equi-librium provides individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, as well as social/emotional needs, with accessible and affordable therapy by utilizing horses as therapy tools.’  When I first moved to the Lehigh Valley I stumbled across this organization and volunteered there for about a year.  It’s truly amazing to experience the connection between the riders and their horses as they learn to trust, be independent, and have fun!” – Megan

Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley       https://www.cancersupportglv.org/

“After being diagnosed with cancer last year, I found the Cancer Support Community’s programs and services so supportive for after my treatment.  Hearing the wonderful words “you are in remission!” does not mean life goes back to the way it was.  You are forever changed both physically and mentally.  I felt a need to regain my life, restore hope and goals, and work through my fear of reoccurrence.   The Cancer Support Community provided me the guidance and support through support groups and workshops to work through the difficult road after a cancer diagnosis.” – Jill

Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley       https://www.cancersupportglv.org/

“The Cancer Support Community of the Greater LV is important to me because of our experience during Jill’s successful battle against breast cancer.  It’s an invaluable resource for her – utilizing their support groups and being able to both listen and respond to others’ stories, as well as share her own. While our family can provide as much love and support as possible, knowing how much additional support and comfort this gives her means the world to me.   This organization allows those affected by cancer realize they don’t have to face it alone… and I’m proud to donate to this wonderful community.” – Nick

The Sanctuary at Haafsville                                        https://www.thesanctuarypa.org/

“My wife Becky and I have been volunteering regularly in the Mutt Hut at the Sanctuary since 2016.  We enjoy spending time with the dogs and trying to make their temporary stay as comfortable as possible.  Many of the dogs are owner surrenders, strays, or dogs transported from regions of the country that recently experienced a disaster.  Besides volunteering, we also have fostered many dogs over the years.  Through solely volunteer efforts, The Sanctuary of Haafsville has placed more than 10,000 dogs and cats into forever homes.” – Ryan

American Heart Association                                                                                       www.heart.org

“I chose this organization in honor of my late father.  Heart disease has affected my family’s life for as long as I can remember as it does so many American families.  The American Heart Association does more than just research.  They spread the word and teach about healthy living and lifestyles to promote heart and vascular health.  It’s a part of our health we all take for granted sometimes but I’m thankful this year for all they do at the AHA.” – Jess

Tails of Valor                                                                     https://www.tailsofvalor.org/helpusraiseaservicedog

“I’d like to donate my charity money to Tails of Valor. They are a charity that helps put service dogs in veteran hands to help them through any challenges the experience after serving the country. I am very good friends with one of the directors, her name is Tracy Hausknecht. I don’t know if you would be able to put her name on there to make sure it gets to her or like put her at attention. But they have a P.O. Box in Coopersburg.” – Brett

Community Bike Works                                                                https://communitybikeworks.org/

“This year, I’d like to support Community Bike Works because the organization contributes values that I believe are important to maintaining a healthy, active, and social community. Getting kids involved with bicycles encourages a sustainable lifestyle, teaches hands-on skills, and provides a safe environment for social engagement. With a cost of ownership at a fraction of a car, a community that supports bikes as a mode of transportation also supports equitable mobility. I believe giving kids an opportunity to learn about bikes is an early step in positive change for the future of Lehigh Valley communities.”  – Peter

The Ellie Effect                                                                                  https://www.theellieeffect.org/

” The Ellie Effect was created to remember Eliana Grace Hoffman, a brave little girl who battled a severe congenital heart defect. The Ellie Effect organizes Care Bags for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Cardiac Unit, hosts local blood drives, and participates in fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Children’s Heart Foundation.´- Scott

National Park Services                                                                   https://give.nationalparks.org

“It is important to me that we help protect and preserve these spaces. National Parks are some of my favorite places to visit.” – Ali

New Bethany Ministries                                                                               https://newbethanyministries.org/

“As someone whose favorite place is home, making sure others have a safe, decent, and affordable place to live is very close to my heart. Housing is a basic human right. New Bethany Ministries works to provide transitional housing, permanent affordable housing, and financial case management to individuals and families in the Lehigh Valley who are experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness. I particularly value their commitment to treat all people with dignity and offer support without judgment.” – Laura

Save a Yorkie Rescue                                                                     https://yorkierescueofamerica.org/

”After 6 years of begging from my daughters, Julia and Ava, we finally gave in and got Yorkshire Terrier. Dewey, now 2, has brought us more joy, laughs and unconditional love than we could have imagined. He has turned me into a total ‘Crazy Dog lady’ and I have no regrets!  I hope this donation will help a pup who is waiting for a new home.” – Silvia

Camp Papillon Animal Shelter                                                                   https://www.camppapillon.org/

“This year I decided again to support my local animal shelter so they continue providing help to homeless, neglected and abused animals. “ – Anna

Lily’s Hope Foundation                                                 https://www.lilyshopefoundation.org/

“It’s a local charity making a difference for a worthy cause that sometimes gets overlooked.” – Justin

Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley                           https://habitatlv.org/

“Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps build and provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families who are in need. I was able to experience first-hand just some of the work that they do through some volunteer work when I was in school. Working with them actually helped solidify my decision to choose this career path of architecture because I would absolutely love for my designs to have such a strong impact on the lives of others the way this organization has a strong impact on every family it helps.”  – Declan

William Allen Arts Alliance                          https://aln.allentownsd.org/fine_arts/arts_academy

“This nonprofit is near and dear to me. I have been a board member, currently serving as the treasurer, for several years. We have raised funds to establish a computer graphics program, purchase sound equipment, send the Dance Academy on a field trip, and so much more. These things tend to be cut out of a school district budget when funds are tight, but they are so meaningful to a student’s educational experience. Support the Arts! “ – Susan

Code Green Campaign                                                                 https://www.codegreencampaign.org/

“I’ve served as an EMT for the past 13 years & have experienced some incredible moments, both positive and negative. The Code Green Campaign is a non-profit organization which was aims to assist first responders with their mental health during the negative moments. The Campaign aims to eliminate the stigma that prevents EMTs from admitting their mental health concerns and seeking help.” – Andrew

Betty Lou’s Food Pantry                                                     333 E Oxford St, Coopersburg, PA 18036

“I know this year its still a hardship for many with inflation to provide adequate food for their families.” –  Katie

Make-a-Wish Foundation                                                                       https://wish.org/

“They work to improve the quality of life for children with illnesses. I want to be able to give back to and fulfill the wishes of at least one kid. Make-a-Wish personally supported our family in a time of need.”  – Xavier

Lehigh Valley Humane Society                                   https://lehighvalleyhumanesociety.org/memorial

“My wife and I lost two family dogs this year – Jade and Bella.  They brought a lot of joy to our lives and we’d like to do the same for animals in need by making this donation in their memory.”  – Chris

New Bethany Ministries                                                                  https://newbethanyministries.org/

Todd