American Red Cross Receives Funding from Puritan Products to Enhance Scrubby Bear Hand Washing Program for Children
News Release: January 24, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley received a $2,500 donation from Puritan Products, Inc. directed for use in enhancing the agency's Scrubby Bear program. The program teaches children the importance of good hand washing habits in fighting germs and preventing colds.

The program consists of anti-germ fighting mascot Scrubby Bear who reminds children and adults that infection can be fought through frequent hand washing.

Puritan Products President and General Manager Lou DiRenzo and Executive Vice President/ Technical Director Tom Starner presented a ceremonious check to Red Cross Regional Executive John R. Hughes, Youth Services Specialist Sherri Boehm, and 'spokesbear' Scrubby Bear at the Puritan Products facility, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park I in Bethlehem.

"When Lou heard that our Scrubby Bear program was in dire need of a 'makeover,' he immediately offered to help us clean up our image, so to speak, by donating the funds to purchase a new, kid-friendly bear costume," Hughes commented. "We were also able to purchase new program materials and handouts.

"In addition, because of their level of financial support, Puritan Products is now recognized as one of our 14 trusted Community Partners," Hughes added. Through the Community Partner Program, businesses become partners with a well-known brand - the American Red Cross - and receive a full year of publicity, promotion, employee benefits, and event sponsorship.

Puritan Products supports various organizations, non-profits and resources throughout the greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. "We are proud to support the American Red Cross, one of the most recognizable humanitarian organizations in the world," DiRenzo stated. "It's wonderful to know that through this program we can help promote healthier children."

Puritan Products has provided funding for health and safety programs for other organizations including the Burn Prevention Foundation, Lehigh County Haz-Mat, Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Company and the Two Rivers Council of Governments.

The program is administered by Red Cross Youth Services Specialist Sherri Boehm and Red Cross teen volunteers. "Our youth really enjoy wearing the costume and interacting with the kids. Through story, song and activities, the Scrubby Bear program is a fun and memorable lesson. Kids love Scrubby."

The 20-minute presentation is free and available for children in grade-levels K-3 in schools, faith-based organizations, hospitals, day cares and after-school clubs and programs. The presentation includes Scrubby Bear (in costume), a health curriculum for use by teachers, stickers, "Clean Hands Club" pledge cards, poster and coloring pages.

Scrubby Bear presentations may be arranged by contacting Boehm at 610-865-4400, ext. 253 or BoehmS@usa.redcross.org. For more information about the Red Cross Community Partners Program, go to www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.