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MEDIA — Delaware County will celebrate the second annual Delco Gives, organized by The Foundation for Delaware County, on May 8-9.
The foundation announced this week that the closing celebration will take place on Friday, May 9 from to 7:30 p.m., once again at Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence.
Delco Gives is an opportunity to support the nonprofits that serve the community and make a meaningful impact on the lives of neighbors. Last year, more than 9,600 donors raised over $1.7 million for nearly 300 nonprofits.
Through an online giving platform, Delco Gives encourages the community to explore and donate to a diverse range of nonprofits.
Since registration opened on Jan. 6, more than 200 organizations have signed up to participate. Delco Gives will highlight the vast range of critical services and resources nonprofits in the region provide.
Organizations represent all areas of Delaware County, including African Family Health Organization, Aston Township Fire Department, Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Centro De Apoyo Comunitario, Community Arts Center, Darby Library, Discover Haverford, Forgotten Cats, Garrett Williamson, Keep Music Alive, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Main Line Senior Services, Media Arts Council, Park Avenue Community Center, Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue, Peter’s Place, Radnor Conservancy, Upper Chichester Library, Well Rooted, Willistown Conservation Trust and many more.
At the closing celebration, attendees can enjoy family-friendly activities, including games, live music, food trucks, and ice cream. The event will also feature special guests and local mascots. More than 100 nonprofits will attend, allowing the community to engage with and learn more about their missions.
At 7 p.m., the foundation will announce the final amount raised during the Delco Gives campaign.
The foundation shared that numerous local businesses and funders are supporting Delco Gives.
Power Home Remodeling returns as the presenting sponsor and will kick off the celebration with a flag football tournament at Rose Tree Park before the main event.
Additional sponsors include Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company; Boeing, Brinker Simpson & Co; Citadel Credit Union; Comcast; Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority; Fulton Bank; Harrah’s Philadelphia; Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union; the Haverford Trust Co.; Independence Blue Cross; National Realty Corp.; PECO; Philadelphia Union; State Farm – Ed Hanway; Team Toyota of Glen Mills; TD Bank N.A.; Visit Delco; Wawa; WSFS Bank; Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation and more.
Delco Gives is the largest charitable giving event in Delaware County, a prime opportunity to elevate a business’s brand, engage a broad audience, and showcase your commitment to the community. Sponsorships and cash prize contributions help incentivize participation and directly support local nonprofits. To learn more about how a business can sponsor Delco Gives, reach out to Laura Sindoni at lsindoni@delcofoundation.org.
Sun East Federal Credit Union announces Debbie Cook as new CEO
Sun East Federal Credit Union announced the promotion last week of Debbie Cook to chief executive officer and president. The promotion became effective March 7.
Cook, a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in the credit union industry, succeeds Michael Kaczenski as she continues Sun East’s mission of providing exceptional financial solutions to its members.
Cook has been an integral part of Sun East’s leadership team, serving as president since August 2023 and previously as executive vice president and chief financial officer.
With over 30 years of expertise in strategic planning, financial strategy, and member-focused initiatives, Cook has been instrumental in driving Sun East’s growth and innovation. Her leadership was also recognized when she earned the Certified Chief Executive designation, a testament to her dedication to excellence and strategic leadership in the credit union industry, according to a press release.
“I am honored to step into the role of CEO at Sun East Federal Credit Union and am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for their trust and support,” said Cook. “Sun East has a strong legacy of empowering our members to achieve financial success, and we remain committed to serving them and our community. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team as we work to enhance the member experience through innovative digital solutions, personalized financial services, and deepening community relationships.”
Sun East’s board expressed confidence in Cook’s leadership, citing her proven track record of financial stewardship, innovation, and unwavering dedication to members.
Kaczenski’s transition marks the next chapter in his nearly 39-year tenure at Sun East. Having started as a teller and rising to CEO, his leadership has been transformative in the credit union’s growth and strengthening its unwavering commitment to its members.
As he steps into his new role as executive adviser to the credit union, Kaczenski will continue to lend his expertise and strategic insight to support Sun East’s mission.
Founded in 1949, Sun East Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving individuals and businesses across Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.
With a mission to empower financial well-being, Sun East provides a full suite of banking solutions, including savings, lending, and digital banking services. For more information, visit www.suneast.org.
Chester City to hold Autism Acceptance Day
Gifted Child will present the Chester City Autism Acceptance Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at Memorial Park, 2401 W. Ninth St., Chester.
The event, with a mission to create autism awareness and acceptance, will feature an Autism Walk, along with food, music, resources and vendors. Attendees are encouraged to form a team and wear their gear to support a family member with autism.
The event is sponsored by Chester, Children On Purpose STEM Academy, Big Var’s Water Ice, KDSJ Redevelopment and Cramer’s Uniforms.
For more information, call 610-800-0613 or email MyGiftedChild@MyYahoo.com.
Ponies and pets coming to St. George’s
St. George’s Parish will host pony rides and a petting zoo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at St. George’s Church, 1 W. Ardmore Ave., Ardmore.
The rain date is Saturday, April 12. For more information: www.stgeorgeschurch.org/events.
Mental health organizations partner on summit for youth
NAMI Main Line PA, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness now serving all of Delaware County, and Hope for Hallie, a Delaware County based youth suicide prevention organization, will host a free three-hour high school youth summit, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at The Presbyterian Church of Llanerch, 211 Lansdowne Road, Havertown.
The summit will give youth the valuable opportunity to hear and learn about mental health in an upbeat, low pressure environment, as well as engage in creative and fun activities.
The nonprofit presenting organizations are uniting to offer this free event in the midst of a mental health crisis among youth.
Statistics show 40% of American adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year and 20% report seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year.
Students with mental health conditions face challenges that aren’t always seen, but they’re real. According to the presenting organizations, less stigma, more awareness and being receptive can make all the difference for a student struggling with their mental health.
“To build a better future in Delaware County, we need everyone — including our youth — to be a part of it,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “That means making mental health a top priority. I urge all the adults in our community to talk to the high school folks you know and encourage them to come to this crucial event.”
The summit will feature an interactive panel of speakers, including high school students, on the topic of youth mental health, including mental health challenges, skills that improve mental health and how peers and adults can help. Other panelists include educator, author and mental health speaker Dr. Melissa Rice.
Additional components of the summit will include resources and skills for better mental health, creative activities related to mental health, yoga, therapy dogs, a great raffle and more.
“The Presbyterian Church of Llanerch is honored to welcome NAMI Main Line PA and Hope for Hallie,” said pastor Bill Searight. “We look forward to opening our doors for this exciting event which supports the vital mission of education, advocacy, and support.”
For more information about the summit, reach out to Lisa Parker, coordinator of education and outreach NAMI Main Line PA at lisa@namimainlinepa.org or 215-688-6127.
Students invited to register for DCIU’s upcoming Apprenticeship and Trades Fair
State Sen. Tim Kearney and state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, in partnership with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, will host an Apprenticeship and Trades Fair on Saturday, April 5 at the DCIU in Morton.
Attendees will have the chance to meet with dozens of companies and organizations offering job opportunities, training programs, and educational support services to help them gain valuable skills and experience.
This event is designed to introduce young scholars to high-demand, good-paying careers in manufacturing, electrical work, plumbing and more.
Families are encouraged to register their child for this event in advance at www.senatorkearney.com/event/apprenticeshipfair.
Delco Health Department welcomes the Strollin’ Colon back to Media
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition, the Delaware County Health Department in partnership with Jefferson Health, will bring the Strollin’ Colon, back to Delaware County.
It will be on the Delaware County Courthouse steps, 201 W Front St., Media, on Monday March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Strollin’ Colon is a one-of-a-kind, inflatable replica of a human colon that serves as an educational walk-through tunnel.
DCHD is inviting residents to take a walk-through and learn more about the importance of colon cancer prevention and screening. This interactive experience is designed to make important health information accessible and raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women, and regular screening should begin for most people at age 45. Through the Strollin’ Colon, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer.
“We are excited to bring the Strollin’ Colon back to our community as part of our efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer,” said county health department Director Lora Siegmann Werner. “Colon Cancer is preventable through routine screenings and we hope residents are encouraged to take the time needed to ensure their health.”
In addition to the walk-through experience, informational materials and opportunities to speak with health care professionals about colorectal cancer screening education and prevention are available.
For more information about Delaware County Health Department services, contact the health department Wellness Line at 484-276 – 2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
Darby Free Library receives $750,000 grant for renovations
State House Speaker Joanna McClinton and state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams announced a state grant for nearly $750,000 for the Darby Free Library at 1001 Main St. in Darby.
“The Darby Free Library has been a community gathering place for centuries, providing a meeting space, access to books, videos, newspapers and community resources,” McClinton said. “This funding will support improvements to make the building more accessible to all members of the community, so it can continue to serve our neighbors for generations.”
“We are thrilled to announce that the Department of Education has awarded Keystone Library Grants to libraries in our district,” Williams added. “These grants provide essential funding that will enable our libraries to upgrade their facilities, enhance their services and continue to play a vital role in strengthening our communities. Supporting our local libraries is an investment in the future of education and literacy, and we are excited to distribute these resources to help them thrive.”
The library, established in 1743, is the nation’s oldest public library in continuous operation. Darby Free Library will spend the funding to renovate its two-story structure into cohesive accessible facility with energy-conservation measures.
For information on Darby Free Library and its many services, call 610-586-7310 or go to http://darbylibrary.org.
Keystone Grants are funded by the state’s realty transfer tax and administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries within the state Department of Education. Grants are awarded using a competitive process and pay up to 50% of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public libraries
Readers should send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
