Eddinger Propane Gas, a family-owned and operated business since 1890, embodies the spirit and dedication of the award created last year to acknowledge the lifetime giving of Kris and Preeta Kapor. Tom Eddinger has faithfully donated to the Allentown Rescue Mission for more than thirty years. His gifts have helped countless men experiencing homelessness change the trajectory of their lives.
Before entering the family business, Eddinger spent five years teaching English at Reading High School. In 1977, he decided to follow the pull he was feeling to return to the family trade. Eddinger helped expand the business to include propane gas. The additional revenue line sparked significant growth in the business. Today, the company is a fourth-generation enterprise that employs 35 staff members.
Eddinger donates to the Allentown Rescue Mission as an act of love to honor his late wife, Paula. Paula passed away from cancer, and ever since, Eddinger has given to the Mission on the anniversary of her passing. “I wanted to do something in Paula’s memory. I know she would be happy knowing that we’re helping serve the men at the Rescue Mission. I’m thankful to the Lord who blesses me with the ability to give,” he said.
Following the award presentation, Eddinger met with residents of the Mission’s eight-week Transformation Program. He took time to listen to their experiences, share his personal story, and offer guidance on achieving success through a life of faith.
Despite decades of generosity, Eddinger remains sincerely humble about his role as a donor. Instead of seeking recognition, he insists on praising the staff and the men seeking services, “What I do is the easy part (he said to the staff). You’re the ones walking alongside these men through their ups and downs.”
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 145 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter to men in crisis since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a faith-based residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team Workforce that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team Workforce pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for nearly 1,000 men and serves more than 60,000 meals to men in need.
To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org.