West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund
At the request of West Reading Borough Council, United Way of Berks County and Berks County Community Foundation have partnered to create the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund. This fund will help aid members of the community who were impacted by the industrial explosion at R. M. Palmer’s Company in West Reading, Pennsylvania on March 24th, 2023.
Based on the level of donations received, the fund will provide grants to organizations assisting community members in the following order of priority:
- Grants to organizations providing support to the families of individuals killed in the explosion for immediate financial losses.
- Grants to organizations providing support to individuals displaced from their homes as a result of the explosion.
- Grants to organizations providing support to individuals displaced from employment as a result of the explosion.
- Support to the Borough of West Reading for planning and/or implementation of historical commemoration of the explosion (including, but not limited to creation of a memorial to those lost).
“Our hearts are with the families who have been impacted by this tragic event,” said Tammy White, president of the United Way of Berks County. “We are humbled by the desire of our community to help in any way it can.”
Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to Berks County Community Foundation, 237 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601. Noting West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund in the memo line.
United Way of Pennsylvania staff sends our thoughts and condolences to the West Reading community, family members, and first responders.
Information provided by BCCF press release.