The Allentown Rescue Mission has a good friend in Lehigh County farmer Ralph Wertman.

Wertman of New Tripoli recently gave the mission a $2,500 donation, which will help provide meals and emergency lodging to 680 men in the Gateway Center and in the facility's long-term program.

The money came from America's Farmers Grow Communities.

The mission, in downtown Allentown, provides a variety of programs that guide homeless men back to productive lives in their community.

"My wife and I have supported this organization for many years," Wertman said. "We are grateful to be able to support them with this donation."

His wife, Diane, said she was in awe of everyone at the rescue mission.

"It's amazing how they go from being homeless to Christian living," she said.

More than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states through America's Farmers Grow Communities.

The program, launched in 2010, has donated more than $13 million to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations across the country.

America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is part of the America's Farmers initiative, which highlights and celebrates the important contributions of farmers like Ralph Wertman.

Farmers have been able to support a variety of groups, such as schools, fire departments, community centers and youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA because of the program.