CPPA Gives Back To The Community At The End Of 2011

At the end of 2011, the CPPA and its members reached out in support of the communities in which its members lived and did business. In an initiative spearheaded by the organization’s Charitable Giving Committee, the CPPA and its members raised $525 for St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home in Washington, D.C.

Every November, CPPA collects and then matches members’ donations to the Home. Their charity helps ensure that the children and young mothers who live there enjoy a bright holiday. The CPPA’s Charitable Giving Committee, formed to guide the association’s philanthropic efforts in support of local charities, decided to contribute to St. Ann’s after learning about the annual tradition of former board member Charlie Reese. Reese and his family have helped provide Thanksgiving dinner at St. Ann’s for the past 50 years.

Last year, St. Ann’s provided shelter, clothing, food and comfort to 370 children unable to live in their own homes. It also provided a home for 39 pregnant and parenting teens and their babies. The Home’s mission is to give these young women guidance to help them develop the skills needed to support themselves and their children.

The association and its members also participated in the fifth annual Warm Holiday Wishes Coat Drive for the St. Vincent de Paul Charity in Baltimore, Maryland. St. Vincent de Paul provides services to people in the community suffering hunger, homelessness and poverty.

On December 19, representatives from CPPA dropped off almost 100 coats, hats and gloves at the Fox 45 News station in Baltimore. Fox 45 News hosts the drive each year, which support St. Vincent de Paul’s efforts to provide warm clothes for Baltimore’s homeless population. CPPA board member Megan Erber, who spearheaded the drive, was interviewed by Fox 45 News about the association’s donations.

Donations for the drive were collected at CPPA’s annual membership meeting and from supplier companies who provided samples and over-runs. Most of the items arrived brand new, with tags still attached.