This Club was Pivotal in Creating a Project C.U.R.E. Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center

And Rotarians have been volunteering there ever since

In 2014 the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies and equipment, Project C.U.R.E., had located funding to establish a receiving and distribution center in the East. Just one hitch: Major donors required evidence of Rotary support before they would commit.

Learning of this opportunity our club’s leadership — at the time Rotarians Rick Trivane and Sherman Leis — produced contributions from three different Rotary clubs in our district under a very tight deadline to show Rotary support. In short order the donors released some $325,000 in startup capital and within months a massive long-term stream of donated medical materials from hospitals, manufacturers, physicians’ offices and individuals began to benefit desperate patients throughout the developing world.

The 60,000-square foot Mid-Atlantic warehouse in Jennersville, Southern Chester County, was located by a leading district Rotarian, the late Dave Haradon. Upon its founding, a member of the Longwood Rotary Club, Kathy Hrenko, was hired to become director of operations. She served for seven years, turning over the job in 2023 to Jenna Sanzo. Together, Rotary clubs in our district have demonstrated that the goals of Project C.U.R.E. are consistent with fighting disease and saving mothers and children, two of Rotary International’s seven Areas of Focus.

Group sorting sessions by many clubs are highlight events, providing needed volunteer help for Project C.U.R.E. and team building for Rotarians and Rotaract members.

In its 10-year history, Project C.U.R.E.’s Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center has shipped 167 cargo containers to 53 countries, with a total value of more than $55 million, serving some eight million patients. During the Covid pandemic, it pivoted to provide personal protective equipment for caregivers, and sent patient supplies to nearly 100 area hospitals, clinics and care facilities.

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the distribution center shipped an initial 26 pallets of medical and surgical supplies by air through Warsaw. A Virgin Airlines plane with that cargo returned to the UK bringing 50 Ukrainian orphans to safety. Project C.U.R.E. and the Mid-Atlantic distribution center continue to respond, with 20 shipments throughout Ukraine and another 30 shipments scheduled in coming weeks.

For more information, contact Project C.U.R.E. Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center, and to volunteer at the Jennersville facility, click the link for Philadelphia Volunteer Hub. Click here for a current Annual Report.

Lower Main Line Rotarians have proven that even here at home, you can do a world of good.

In the beginning, Rotarian Dave Haradon found Dansko warehouse owner Peter Kjellerup (top photo) in Jennersville, Southern Chester County, who offered his empty warehouse to host Project C.U.R.E.

Since 2016 Rotarians from more than half the clubs in our district and other Project C.U.R.E. volunteers have procured, sorted and shipped container loads of lifesaving medical equipment and supplies to more than 50 countries.

This is the only Project C.U.R.E. distribution center in the East, one of seven nationally.

The work continues, and the need never stops.