Charles River Apparel Becomes Supporter of Meals on Wheels America

Charles River Apparel recently launched its newest giveback program in collaboration with Meals on Wheels America — pledging to donate a minimum of $25,000 by the end of 2023 to the nation’s leading senior organization.

Titled “Quilting Communities Together,” the fundraiser donates 3% of net sales from the Franconia Collection to support Meals on Wheels America’s mission of empowering local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Charles River Apparel for its dedication to our mission and philanthropic commitment to our nation’s seniors,” says Kristine Templin, chief development officer for Meals on Wheels America. “Partnerships like this allow us to meaningfully advance progress toward our vision of an America in which all seniors live more nourished lives with independence and dignity.”

The program is the newest in a wardrobe of giveback programs led by Charles River Cares, Charles River Apparel’s charitable program. Since 2010, Charles River Cares has focused on helping underserved populations through monetary donations, clothing donations, and volunteering. With Meals on Wheels America reporting over nine million seniors (about 13% of the senior population in the U.S.) are threatened by or experiencing hunger, Charles River Apparel saw an opportunity to help the world’s fastest-growing population.

“It’s all about making a positive difference,” explains Deb Lipsett, principal of Charles River Apparel. “Actions speak louder than words, and as a business, we have the power and the platform to give a voice to causes that need attention. Becoming a proud supporter of Meals on Wheels America is a significant step for Charles River Cares expanding the causes it supports. I look forward to working together with Meals on Wheels America and ensuring seniors receive the resources they need to thrive.”

Since the first known delivery in the United States by a small group of Philadelphia citizens in 1954, the Meals on Wheels network has been guided by a single goal: to support senior neighbors and extend their health, dignity, and independence as they age.

“My personal connection to Meals on Wheels spans three decades, from a time when my husband managed the distribution of meals and other services in the Boston area, to times when my mother benefited from their support during a period of illness and immobility,” states Karen Norris Harrington, director of marketing operations at Charles River Apparel. “I’ve seen first-hand how valuable their work is to the community and how dedicated their staff and volunteers are to providing nutritional support and independence to those when they need it most. I am so proud to now be part of an organization like Charles River Apparel, that is committed to supporting the Meals on Wheels network with this fundraiser.”

In addition to the “Quilting Communities Together” fundraiser, Charles River Apparel also plans to continue its partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with another giveback program launching this summer.