As Pennsylvanians navigate the difficult and unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, local energy companies have mobilized to help communities and brave front line medical professionals respond to the global pandemic.
Many MSC members have stepped up to help provide first responders and hospitals with masks and other personal protective equipment. Others, too, have donated to foodbanks and laptops for school districts so students can engage in virtual learning activities.
“Although life may be disrupted for the time being,” MSC’s Spigelmyer wrote recently to members, “we have been heartened by our members’ unwavering support for the communities in which we are privileged to work and live.”
Here are a few of the many ways MSC members are working to help communities around the state:
ExxonMobil is helping to meet demand for products like medical hand sanitizers, alcohol wipes and disinfectant sprays by shifting its operations to manufacture isopropyl alcohol, a key ingredient. The company also initiated efforts to redesign and manufacture reusable PPE and other medical supplies in their facilities across the world.
Marathon Petroleum Corp./MPLX provided hospitals and healthcare organizations in 20 states with its supply of personal protective equipment – including more than 500,000 N95 masks. The parent company also donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help fund the relief organization’s pandemic response.
Range Resources launched a community stimulus package in which the company commits more than $100,000 in funding for basic needs, healthcare, employment resources, education, domestic violence services, and senior citizens. The company also donated personal protective equipment to Washington Health System and provided laptops to the Bentworth School District so students can participate in remote learning.
The EQT Foundation announced donations to community foundations and foodbanks totaling $360,000 across their operating footprint.
NRG Energy pledged $2 million in COVID-19 relief efforts with contributions to first responders, small businesses, teachers and communities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Southwestern Energy gave $50,000 for crisis response to food banks and local pantries in each of their operating regions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Texas. The company also donated 2,000 N95 masks to first responders and 11 cases of girl scout cookies to health care workers at Tyler memorial hospital.
Seneca Resources and its parent company, National Fuel, hav emade several donations to the Erie Community Foundation, Christian Foodbank in St. Mary’s, Pa., which purchased fresh produce for area families in need, Second Harvest of Northwestern Pa. specifically for Elk and McKean Counties, and the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County. The company also donated lunch from a local restaurant to employees at Lutheran Home and UPMC in Kane.
Cabot Oil & Gas pledged $50,000 to the Weinberg Food Bank, provided hospitals and first responders with protective suits and safety glasses, and helped rural school districts transition to remote learning by donating laptops and other essential school supplies.
Chevron Appalachia donated $200,000 to volunteer fire departments in its operating areas in Southwestern Pa. and W.Va.. The company also gave an additional $60,000 to food banks in Allegheny, Greene, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland Counties in Pa. and Marshall Co., W.Va.
The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation committed $1 million in coronavirus relief efforts across the U.S., consisting of a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross and $750,000 to address local needs.
The Williams Foundation has pledged $1 million to provide community support during this unprecedented time of financial volatility and global health concern. Grants for community support will focus primarily on emergency response, food insecurity, health and human services and K-12 distance learning solutions for public schools.
With support from Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, the Salvation Army of Western Pa. served 1,750 meals to families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. The company also supported the United Way of Laurel Highlands Emergency Impact Fund, which will help individuals in Somerset Co.
UGI Energy Services, LLC announced a $40,000 donation to several food banks and has worked with the food banks to establish virtual food drives for UGI’s employees to make contributions to programs in areas where they live and work.
The midstream company based in Washington County donated personal protective equipment to Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness in Beaver County. The company also donated PPE – including N95 masks and gloves – to the Washington City Mission, Canonsburg Police Department, and the Mon Valley Hospital.
Provided meals for first responders in Greene Co. and Indiana Co. and supported the MSC’s efforts to thank doctors, nurses and staff at the Washington Health Sytem. The company also donated to an Indiana Co. food bank, which is experiencing higher-than-average demand, and will provide meals for medical personnel at local hospital.
Through the Olympus Gratitude Project, the company’s employees are showing their appreciation for the first responders, doctors, nurses and hospital staff on the frontlines of keeping us healthy and safe. Olympus Energy has donated meals to police departments in Elizabeth Township and Plum Borough, as well as the William Penn Care Center hospital.
Energy Transfer Partners donated nearly $200,000 to community organizations, first responders and food banks to assist with COVID relief efforts. Specifically, the company donated $15,000 to Central Pa. Food Bank, $10,000 to Faith Restorations Inc. food bank in Monaca and $20,000 total to Feeding America programs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The company also gave 2,000+ Sunoco fuel gift cards to healthcare workers at Philadelphia-area hospitals and retirement homes, among other donations.
