West Philadelphia Leading Healthcare Provider Donates Dance-A-Thon Proceeds to Families Needing Back-to-School Supplies
With tens of thousands of students already filling classrooms for the new school year, many Philadelphia families find themselves unable to afford new uniforms and supplies for their children.
To help raise funds for those in need, Renaissance Healthcare & Rehabilitation residents have raised almost $4,000 over the past four years through their annual Dance-A-Thon for Families Forward Philadelphia, the city’s largest emergency shelter for homeless families. Renaissance recently presented a check to Families Forward for this year’s donation that was committed to the nonprofit’s Back to School Appeal, which assists children who transfer to new schools throughout the city to have proper uniforms and shoes.
Renaissance selects as many as 10 residents each year who become the fundraisers for the Dance-A-Thon event. Weeks before the big party, the designated individuals utilize pledge sheets and raise money from visitors, family members and staff by committing to dancing the entire time of the event.
“It’s very important for us as caregivers to facilitate opportunities for residents who still want to be viable contributors to their community,” said Tim McCracken, Director of Therapeutic Recreation Services at Renaissance. “We create programs to be impactful for our neighborhood. We have established a wonderful relationship with Families Forward.”
McCracken initially met with residents four years ago and discussed how they could make an impact on several community issues. The residents decided they wanted to make homelessness a top priority and after some research they identified Families Forward Philadelphia as a neighborhood nonprofit they could help the most.
“They continue to be very generous to parents and children at Families Forward Philadelphia supporting summer camp, back to school, and even coordinating visits between residents and children in our care,” said Jason Miller, CEO, Families Forward Philadelphia. “During the visits the children played volleyball, bingo and were treated to lunch and snacks with residents.”
In addition to raising money for school uniforms, Renaissance residents collected school supplies from visitors and staff at the facility and also donated them to Families Forward. This included backpacks, pencils, crayons, notepads and many other necessary items. Every year, the residents create a large donation box to display in the lobby. This year it was a life-size Elmer’s Glue bottle to hold all of the supplies.
“The Residents at Renaissance continue to be a beacon of hope and sharing their own strength during times when it’s needed most,” said Miller.
