These are some of the amazing organizations I support through volunteerism and donations. Take a look and, if you like the sound of them, click through to their websites and check them out.
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue
When I lived in the Lehigh Valley more than 15 years ago, I was aware of DVGRR and had always assumed they were in the Philadelphia area, given the name.
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Last November, my friend was driving us home from an outing and turned down Vera Cruz Road, a street I had never traveled on before since moving out to Berks County.
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When I saw the big golden retriever sculpture out front and the name of the facility, I got so excited. This amazing organization is within 10 minutes of my home.
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I immediately signed up to volunteer. One of my first assignments was with a litter of puppies – see the puppy, formerly known as Tugger, pictured here.
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DVGRR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has successfully placed thousands of golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, goldendoodles and labradoodles into new homes throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Ready. Set. READ!
Managed by United Way of Berks County, the Ready.Set.READ! (RSR) initiative is a collaboration of volunteers, educational organizations, corporations and community partners working together to help improve third grade reading proficiency in children in our community.
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I started volunteering in January 2025 after finding out about this incredible program. Ensuring reading proficiency by third grade tremendously impacts learning and is an indicator of long-term educational and life outcomes.