Realtors gather coats for PV children in need

Justin Porembo likes to say that he and his fellow Realtors aren’t just here for a transaction, but to help build the community.

And as a native of the Panther Valley, Porembo always remembers his hometown.

He and several Realtors returned to Panther Valley School District Thursday to present dozens of coats collected by the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors’ Association.

The Panther Valley is home to many needy families, and the association has made it its goal to ensure they are warm when they get transported to school in the morning. They continued a tradition that was originally started by a group of Carbon County Realtors.

“We know of the economic challenges in that corridor and we definitely want to help out with a warm winter for the children there,” Porembo said.

Starting in the fall, the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors’ Association encouraged its members to collect coats, hats and warm clothing so it could be distributed in the Panther Valley. The staff and members of the association came through in force.

The coats and clothing they collected were distributed to Panther Valley Elementary and Intermediate schools on Thursday, because the educators know best which needy families can benefit from them.

Intermediate School Principal Lisa Mace said she will count on her teachers and staff to discreetly let her know if a child has a torn or worn coat, so they can be fitted for one that is donated. They can also identify siblings if they visit school with a parent during a conference or other activities.

“It is a great blessing to the school district and our kids, and the kids are very appreciative and the parents are as well,” Mace said.

Collecting and distributing the coats is a humbling experience for the Realtors.

Cass Chies, a past president and board member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors’ Association, has a granddaughter who attends Panther Valley. She said the act of giving back to the community makes her honored to be part of the organization and the community.

“I am just knocked off my feet by the generosity of our affiliates, our members who got involved with this holiday tradition we have going on. I was dumbfounded when I saw the bags today,” she said.

This year’s collection netted dozens of coats, and more warm clothing than ever. It ensures that all students at Panther Valley will have access to an adequate coat this winter if they need it.

It’s also a way for Porembo to continue to give back to the district he attended, where his mother is also a retired superintendent and his father, Gary, continues to serve on the school board.

“It is definitely great on my end that I am able to give back to the community who gave me so much and got me where I am. Our members of the GLVR feel the same way,” Porembo said.