HNL Lab Medicine Employees Select Local Charities for Annual Donation

We know how important it is for communities to come together and support one another. That’s why HNL Lab Medicine is committed to making a meaningful impact by supporting the causes that matter most to our employees. This year, we invited our team members to nominate their favorite nonprofit organizations and share personal stories about why these causes are close to their hearts. The response was overwhelming, with inspiring stories of how these organizations have touched their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

As a result, five incredible organizations were selected to each receive a donation: Furry Feet Rescue, Animals in Distress, Allentown Rescue Mission, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Alzheimer’s Association. Our team is honored to contribute to these organizations, each of which provides vital services to people and animals in need. Together, we celebrate the spirit of giving and the power of community.

Motivated by her love for animals, Patty Linzer, Lab Technologist, nominated her favorite animal rescue. Animals in Distress is a no-kill sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals with nowhere else to go, providing them with medical care, rehabilitation, and love until they find a permanent home. Patty was introduced to the organization when she worked with a partnering veterinarian and adopted her cats.

The organization is entirely funded by donations and volunteer efforts, ensuring that every animal receives lifelong care if a suitable home cannot be found. Committed to preventing suffering and saving lives, Animals in Distress offers a safe haven where every animal is valued and given a second chance.

Also motivated by her love for animals was Lab Technologist Mariela Garcia. She nominated Furry Feet Rescue, a small nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray and unwanted small animals while educating the public on proper pet care. “Furry Feet has been rescuing animals for years, with founder Michele dedicating her life to the shelter. We adopted our dog, Terry, almost 3 years ago, and he’s been my support through both good and bad days. I'm so grateful for Furry Feet, but they need more resources as the shelter population continues to grow,” she says. Furry Feet Rescue facilitates dog and cat adoptions by appointment, ensuring each pet is vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered before placement. In addition to adoptions, they offer low-cost spay/neuter services, dental care, and blood work to support pet health.

Pathologist Shanth Goonewardene selected Allentown Rescue Mission as his charity of choice. “The rescue mission not only provides food and shelter, but also a training and discipleship program to help men become responsible and financially independent.” Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter, meals, and life-changing programs that promote self-sufficiency for men experiencing homelessness.

Through its emergency shelter, transformation program, and workforce development initiatives, the Mission offers men the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community. With a commitment to faith-based values, compassion, and empowerment, the organization has been serving the Lehigh Valley since 1900, offering hope and a path to a brighter future.

Catherine Geary, Technical Specialist, nominated NAMI after experiencing a mental health crisis. National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support.

“I began my mental health journey with the help of NAMI. Their resources, support, and stories from others made me feel less alone. Now, almost 9 years later, I’m in a better place, with tools to cope and a support system. NAMI helped me break the stigma and find hope.” Guided by values of hope, inclusion, empowerment, compassion, and fairness, NAMI envisions a world where everyone impacted by mental illness can live healthy, fulfilling lives within a supportive community.

Nominated by Lisa Schwartz, Senior Financial Analyst, Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to accelerating global research, providing care and support, and advocating for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“My father and several other relatives had, and passed away from, Alzheimer’s,” says Lisa, of her motivation to select the charity. With nationwide chapters and a 24/7 helpline, the organization offers education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and caregivers while funding critical research to advance treatment and prevention.

These are just a few of the inspiring stories shared by our employees about the incredible charities they support and why these causes are so meaningful to them.

Their heartfelt stories have shown us how deeply these organizations are woven into the fabric of our community, leaving a lasting impact on many. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference that genuine, heartfelt giving can make, especially when it’s driven by a desire to create positive change.

We are incredibly proud of our team for choosing to make a difference and for proving that no matter the challenges life presents, we can always find ways to uplift those who need it most. As with our other charitable projects such as Angel Tree and our partnership with United Way, we hope these donations help improve the lives of those in need. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead. We encourage others to join us in supporting these essential organizations and consider giving back whenever possible.