Pennsylvania Department of Education Embraces Season of Giving

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Employees of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) this holiday season collected household goods and personal items to aid 22 homeless veterans living in Harrisburg shelters.

Each year, PDE's Bureau of Career and Technical Education (BCTE) selects a nonprofit to support. In 2015, the Bureau selected Harrisburg's Robert M. Jackson House Veterans Center and the American Legion Homeless Shelter.

"The giving spirit is definitely running through the Department this season," Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. "The effort of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education is just one example of ways PDE's staff have supported the larger community."  

The Bureau said this year's selection is an opportunity to give back to those who selflessly served the country, and help bring them joy this holiday season.

Each veteran will be provided a bag that includes items like bath towels and face cloths, clothing including hats, gloves, socks, undergarments and scarves, as well as personal items like toothpaste and soap. BCTE also held a Chinese auction to raise funds to supply each veteran with a Walmart gift card.

PDE's Bureau of Human Resources contributed to the effort.

Rivera noted that last week the Department collected four barrels of food for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and donated Subway sandwiches to a downtown Harrisburg soup kitchen.

The veterans' items will be delivered to the shelters on Tuesday, December 22.

In the past, BCTE has donated to the U.S.O., St. Jude's and the Bethany Home.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, PDE, 717.783.9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us