The Salvation Army, Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 sustaining grant from the PPL Foundation.

The much-needed funds will support Youth Enrichment Programs at The Salvation Army Allentown Corps.

More than 110 children currently enrolled in the Allentown Corps’ Youth Enrichment Program will benefit from the donation.

The Allentown Corps provides a wide array of services to help nurture children’s love of learning.

The Corps’ Youth Department offers a safe, positive and motivating environment for youngsters to learn and grow.

After-school and summer programs provide children, 7 to 14 years of age, with nutritious meals and innovative educational programs through Reading Revival, Repertory Dance Theatre, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) programs, poetry interpretation and environmental education.

“The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process,” Allentown Corps Officer and Lehigh Valley Area Coordinator Major Lydia Mercado said. “We are so pleased that PPL believes in our mission and is partnering with us to improve the lives of the children in our Allentown Youth program. So many of our children come from homes where adults are struggling to make ends meet. Hunger and violence can be their reality.”

“We want the communities we serve to be vibrant and thriving,” PPL Electric Utilities Regional Affairs Director Carol Obando-Derstine said. “Organizations like The Salvation Army do so much to educate children and to revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods. We are pleased to be able to provide support for such an important initiative.”

To learn more and find out how you can get involved with your local Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmyLehigh.org.