Reading Royals and Met-Ed Partner to Collect Donations for the LGBT Center of Greater Reading

Reading, PA. – In partnership with Met-Ed, a First Energy Company, the ECHL Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, announced today its plans to collect donations for the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. Starting in the Summer of 2021, The LGBT Center of Greater Reading is launching its Art Collaborative - an initiative to inspire LGBT youth and the community at large, to develop, build and grow their level of self-esteem through the arts. As a celebration of Pride Month and in support of this new program, the Royals and Met-Ed will call on fans, fellow employees, and community members to contribute various art supplies to support this initiative.

“Met-Ed is proud to continue our partnership with the Reading Royals to further our commitment in creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community. Our ongoing collaborative partnership with the LGBTQ Center of Reading and the Reading Royals reflects this commitment to our core values and the greater Reading & Berks County community.” stated David Turner, manager of Regional External Affairs at Met-Ed.

Donations will be collected through the month of June at the Reading Royals Lion’s Den Team Store (Monday-Thursday 9 AM – 2 PM), the Santander Arena Box Office (Tuesdays/Thursdays 10 AM – 2 PM), and the Met-Ed Headquarters on Pottsville Pike (for Met-Ed Employees only). In addition, donations can be dropped off at the Reading Royals booth at Art on the Avenue in West Reading on Saturday, June 19th.

Below is a list of items requested to launch this Arts Collaborative:

Paint (oil, acrylic, watercolor)BrushesCanvasGender Identity Workbook for Teens (amazon)Gender Identity Workbook for kids (amazon)Adult coloring booksDry erase markersPaletteWatercolor paintsWatercolor paperSketchbooksMahl stickDrawing pencilsErasersCraft popsicle sticksClayStrawsGlitterCotton ballsCraft foamGlueFoam brushesColored paperApronsPaper towelsFreezer paperModeling toolsSpray bottles

This initiative is one of several in the partnership between the Royals and Met-Ed this year. Since November, the partnership has assisted nine local non-profits by volunteering time, raising funds and supplies, and building awareness. For more information on those initiatives and to learn more on how to participate, visit RoyalsHockey.com.

About the LGBT Center of Greater ReadingThe LGBT Center of Greater Reading is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community in the City of Reading and Berks County as well as Lebanon, Schuylkill, and Chester Counties. We work hard to create a welcoming, safe, and empowering environment for LGBTQ+ community members and allies.

About Met-Ed Met-Ed, a FirstEnergy utility, serves approximately 570,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met_Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

About the Royals The Royals are preparing for their 20th anniversary season and are proudly affiliated with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Royals won the Kelly Cup in 2013, have clinched a playoff berth 15 times, and are four-time division champions. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena and the Santander Arena Performing Arts Center.