RETTEW, an Engineering News-Record top 500 design firm providing engineering, transportation, environmental consulting, planning and surveying services, recently donated more than $16,000 and 6,000 pounds of canned goods to food banks in Pennsylvania and New York.

“RETTEW feels that it’s important to give back to families and individuals who live in communities where we have offices, employees and clients,” said Mark Lauriello, PE, president, RETTEW. “Having a companywide food drive where our donations are distributed throughout Pennsylvania and New York enabled us to do that.”

RETTEW partnered with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) for the food drive. Through CPFB locations in Harrisburg and Williamsport, Pa., and CPFB-affiliated locations in Pittsburgh and Schuylkill Haven, food from RETTEW’s companywide drive went to recipients in Harrisburg and surrounding areas, Pittsburgh, Schuylkill County and Williamsport, Pa. Other organizations that benefitted included food banks in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and the Catskill Mountain region of New York.

In addition to the canned goods, RETTEW’s food drive also garnered employee cash contributions totaling more than $6,000. The RETTEW Charitable Foundation, a non-profit entity RETTEW recently created, kicked in an additional $10,000, which the firm donated to CPFB at RETTEW’s annual holiday party, held December 10, 2011, in Lancaster, Pa.

“Community partners, like RETTEW, are essential for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to fulfill our mission and serve the individuals and families that are in need of food in our communities,” said Joe Arthur, associate director, CPFB, accepting the $10,000 check. “As more of our neighbors turn to emergency food, many for the first time, this donation reinforces how dedicated RETTEW is to giving back to the communities in which they are located, and to help feed the hungry in those communities.”

According to CPFB, the canned goods and $16,000 will supply more than 100,000 meals.

The RETTEW Charitable Foundation organized the food drive, the foundation’s first charitable giving endeavor since its inception earlier this year. RETTEW set up the RETTEW Charitable Foundation, which is presently awaiting 501(c)(3) status, for employees to be able to sponsor charitable giving endeavors and activities for organizations in which they are involved and invested.

RETTEW, ranked 12th in 2011 on the list of Best Places to Work in PA, provides engineering, transportation, environmental consulting, planning, surveying and related consulting services to a broad range of clients.

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