R. L. Reppert, Inc. has partnered with Central Elementary School to organize a holiday drive to collect basic necessities and food items for low-income families in the Allentown School District again this year. The holiday season is hard enough on families but these students feel that pressure more than most due to the lack of basic necessities. When the students were asked by their teachers what they wanted for Christmas, most of them said food or basic necessities, not toys like most kids at that age would request. “I do not believe that any child should go without the basic necessities or food in this day and age. Every child deserves the best start to create the brightest future.”, stated Ric Reppert, President of R. L. Reppert. Some of these students rely on the school for breakfast and lunch during the school year because without it, they do not eat these meals. During the Christmas break, these students will struggle to get the food they need. The community R. L. Reppert is involved in all joined together to ensure these students do not go without food during the Christmas break and have the basic necessities they need in life. With the tremendous support of everyone involved, R. L. Reppert donated 20,962 items to the 680 students of Central Elementary School. In the last 5 years that R. L. Reppert has donated to the school, they have donated over 103,260 items to over 4,980 students including almost 100 homeless families.

“These young kids are extremely happy to be receiving mac n cheese, shampoo, gloves, hats, socks, and the other items we have donated. In most other areas, kids would be upset receiving these items but these precious students are so grateful, giving so many hugs and even crying when we handed them bags” stated Ric Reppert. R. L. Reppert also coordinated with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to have MeLVin attend and give the kids hugs, hats, and overall enjoyment of their day. “The kids went insane when MeLVin walked in. They were so excited to give hugs and high fives. Their faces lighting up during this event is what truly makes this all worth it and I am proud to be able to do this for so many years” Ric Reppert said.

As the holidays begin, these students at Central Elementary School will be going home with large bags filled with basic necessities, some toys, and huge smiles on their faces because complete strangers came together to donated nearly 21,000 items this year. This hopefully will provide many of these young kids with a great outlook on life to be able to focus on their brighter future ahead of them.

More information can be found at www.rlreppert.com/charity.

Information provided to TVL by:
Richard Reppert