When two disasters impacted customers and employees in East Palestine, Ohio, and West Reading, Pa., the FirstEnergy Foundation stepped in to help.

On Feb. 3, a train carrying several types of chemicals derailed in East Palestine. The derailment spilled toxic chemicals which had to be burned in order to avoid a potential explosion. A deadly smoke plume that could be seen from miles away hung over the area for days contaminating the water and air quality.

On Friday, March 24, an explosion ripped through the R.M. Palmer candy manufacturing plant in West Reading, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring many more.

Immediately providing emergency assistance, the FirstEnergy Foundation donated $10,000 for disaster relief in each community. The funds were directed to nonprofit organizations with a long history of helping with disaster recovery: The Brightside Project in Salem, Ohio, and the United Way of Berks County in Reading, Pa.

“We would be remiss if we didn’t answer the call to support our customers and employees who have been devastated by these two disasters. In order for us to help keep our communities strong, we have to provide support where and when it’s needed most,” said Lorna Wisham, president, FirstEnergy Foundation. “I’m happy we’re able to support the disaster relief fund to help those who are still dealing with the effects of these two events.”

How We’re Assisting

After the train derailment, The Brightside Project opened a temporary East Palestine location to provide immediate assistance to families most affected by the accident. And, due to the many generous donations, the nonprofit has provided food, bottled water, gas cards, cleaning supplies and more.

“The Brightside Project is a wonderful organization that meets the needs of children in Columbiana County and surrounding areas in northeast Ohio. It supports children battling hunger, poverty, drug abuse, neglect and a number of challenging issues. So, it’s not surprising that the organization would support residents during the aftereffects of this disaster,” said Troy Rhoades, consultant, Regional External Affairs, Ohio Edison. “In addition to the $10,000 donation from the FirstEnergy Foundation, we’re also planning to provide other necessities such as 350 cases of bottled water from Ohio Edison and we have also partnered with Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio in donating 1,000 cases of Girl Scout cookies to bring a little joy to the families.”

On March 25, the Berks County Community Foundation, in partnership with the United Way of Berks County, established the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund to assist families who lost loved ones and those displaced from their homes.

“In partnership with the United Way of Berks County, the Berks County Community Foundation took the first step to help. I’m so pleased that the $10,000 FirstEnergy Foundation donation will assist in providing much-needed help to those affected by the explosion. The outpouring support from the community shows how committed Berks County residents are in helping each other,” said Marisela Fuster, consultant, Regional External Affairs, Met-Ed. “So many people are suffering from the loss of loved ones, property damage and more.”

A Day She’ll Never Forget

Marilyn Smith, senior administrative assistant, Reading Customer Care Center, shared her story of that fateful day.

“My husband, Logan, is vice president of operations for R.M. Palmer. He and his coworkers were in another part of the plant when the explosion took place,” said Marilyn. “Thank God he and the others got out in time. However, many people weren’t that lucky, and my heart goes out to them and their families.”

After her husband called her about the explosion, Marilyn immediately asked how she could help. He said he was able to help some employees evacuate the building, and he checked on a few who were injured. Then he and his staff went to the designated evacuation areas to account for employees. Marilyn contacted pastors from her church who came onto the scene immediately to assist anyone wanting spiritual counseling or prayer.

You Can Help!

The road to recovery for each of these communities is long. You too can help with much-needed assistance by making a personal donation to The Brightside Project and the United Way Berks County, by visiting the sites below:

The Brightside Project – click the following link: Disaster Relief Fund.

For R. M. Palmer explosion – donations can be made online to the Berks County Community Foundation at www. bccf.org or by mailing a check to the United Way of Berks County, 25 N. 2^nd Street, Suite 101, Reading, PA 19601, noting West Reading Disaster Recover Fund in the memo line. Please be aware that the United Way of Berks County will not collect donations after May 31, 2023.

Remember to double your impact to support those affected by the disasters. If you make (or have recently made) a donation of $25 or more, please complete the FirstEnergy Matching Gift Form. Once you complete Part 1 of the form, attach your receipt, and send directly to the organization receiving your donation.
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