A Season for Giving

This time of year means many things to many people.  Be it family, friends, football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or shopping ‘til you drop in the early hours of the morning, there is one thing that Thanksgiving means to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors and that is giving. Lawyer’s Realty is a proud member of the Association.

For the past 25 years your local Realtors and sponsors have donated to help feed those in our community who are less fortunate.  This year was my first year as a member of the committee that facilitates this drive.  This year we raised over $22,000 which allowed us to purchase 725 turkeys plus 725 Giant gift cards.  

On the morning of November 18^th, in the parking lot of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, the turkeys were organized and ready to be picked up by the various charities that would in turn distribute them to the different families.  Each family would be receiving a turkey and a $20 Giant gift card for them to use towards the remainder of their Thanksgiving feast.  As each van or truck pulled up to be loaded, we received smiles and warm hugs that were worth more than money could buy.   Before this year, the total number of families that the food drive has fed was 8,344; now it is 9,069!

Keep an eye on our blog in the coming weeks as we will be highlighting both a reason to still be listing your house through the holidays and winter as well as our personal family traditions for the holidays. It should be a lot of fun and we look forward to hearing what you and your holiday traditions are.

Lori Zimmerman, Operations Manager/Realtor

Battle in the Spirit of Giving

Recently, the Salvation Army of the Capital Region announced a battle.  No, not a typical Army battle, but one in the spirit of giving. We are all use to seeing the red kettles and bells signify the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising drive outside of various retail stores as we do our holiday shopping, but this year they’ve added a twist.

Beginning November 17 and running until the end of the year, a battle will begin.  Harrisburg-area businesses and organizations will staff 25 Red Kettles positioned at high-traffic locations to compete for the “Battle of the Bells” title by raising the most money at their kettle during the battle.

The Salvation Army is also asking local businesses and corporations to share their Red Kettle experiences via YouTube Videos as well as Twitter and Facebook updates and photos. While Harrisburg has been making international news for many negative reasons, the Salvation Army is hoping to turn the negativity around.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s most significant source of annual revenue to help feed, clothe and care for those in need. As the temperatures begin to drop, especially at night, and since we’ve already seen significant snow, remember those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army aims to help protect those who need help and this battle is one way that you can help your local community.

For more information check out  http://www.salvationarmyharrisburg.org.