Quaker Chemical Helps Kids in Norristown Sleep Well
Thanks to a grant from The Quaker Chemical Foundation, OHAAT’s Beds for Kids program was able to provide beds for 19 children living in Norristown. “We are incredibly grateful to Quaker Chemical,” said Becky Sedmak, OHAAT’s Executive Director. “Norristown is a high-need area, and their support ensures that more children have the beds they need to sleep well.” All 19 children received a complete Beds for Kids bedding package, which includes a twin-size bed (both hypoallergenic and bed bug resistant), a sheet set, a blanket, a pillow, several age-appropriate books, a toothbrush and a stuffed animal. Everything was delivered directly to the children’s homes with the help of OHAAT’s volunteers.
Quaker Chemical’s Global Headquarters is located less than five miles from Norristown in Conshohocken, PA. Since The Quaker Chemical Foundation was established over 50 years ago, it has been committed to serving its local communities across the US. This year marks the sixth year that The Quaker Chemical Foundation has supported the Beds for Kids program! “As a global leader in our industries, Quaker Chemical has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen. Our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program has a strong community engagement component, including volunteerism and charitable donations. We’re pleased to be able to continue to support OHAAT and the important work that they do,” said Jan Waldauer, Manager of Global CSR and Internal Communication for Quaker Chemical.
Eight of the 19 beds funded by Quaker Chemical went to a family working with Melodye Jemmott, a Housing Case Manager at Laurel House, which is a nonprofit working to end domestic violence in Montgomery County. “I work with a large family who was just recently able to move out of a shelter and into their own home,” said Melodye. “This exciting transition put an added burden on the mother, who knew that she did not have the funds necessary to provide beds for all of her children. She was so happy and relieved when I called to inform her that she now no longer had to worry about her children sleeping on the floor as winter began.”
Another 4 of the 19 beds went to a family receiving assistance from Catholic Social Services’ Montgomery County Family Service Center. The mother, a single mom who works the night shift at a Philadelphia university and volunteers for the Family Service Center’s food pantry in her spare time, said that the beds were “such a blessing” for her children, who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. She said that the delivery was fantastic, that the beds were easy to assemble and sturdy, and that the handmade quilts gave the beds a personal touch!
It is because of generous supporters like Quaker Chemical that these children have a soft and warm place to sleep this winter. Thank you, Quaker Chemical!