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PCI Powerhouse Fund Drives Community Support Across the U.S.

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PCI Powerhouse Fund Drives Community Support Across the U.S.
News

News

PCI Powerhouse Fund Drives Community Support Across the U.S.

2024-12-13 21:02 Last Updated At:21:10

WESTON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024--

Postal Center International (PCI), a leader in integrated mail, print, and marketing solutions, announced significant community contributions through its PCI Powerhouse Fund. On December 9th and 10th, PCI held presentations at its national headquarters in Florida, awarding grants to various nonprofits focused on youth wellness, education, and hunger relief.

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Purpose Academy's contingent of Naomi Peyton (third right), Principal, Tammy J Hoskins (second right), Board Secretary, and David Salvatelli (right), Superintendent, share a photo opportunity with PCI's Executives and Founders after being given a grant to further their organization's mission. From left are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. (Photo: Business Wire)

Purpose Academy's contingent of Naomi Peyton (third right), Principal, Tammy J Hoskins (second right), Board Secretary, and David Salvatelli (right), Superintendent, share a photo opportunity with PCI's Executives and Founders after being given a grant to further their organization's mission. From left are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mobile School Pantry's Founder Zeina Zein-Wolland (second right) and Board of Directors President Joselin Padron-Rasines (right) share lens time with (from left) the PCI team of Dennis R. Garcia, Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. Mobile School Pantry was one of several recipients of grants from PCI. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mobile School Pantry's Founder Zeina Zein-Wolland (second right) and Board of Directors President Joselin Padron-Rasines (right) share lens time with (from left) the PCI team of Dennis R. Garcia, Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. Mobile School Pantry was one of several recipients of grants from PCI. (Photo: Business Wire)

Tina Tavares Powderly (right), Executive Director of Franklin Food Pantry, is all smiles after being presented with a grant from PCI for her organization. Sharing the moment are (from left) PCI's Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

Tina Tavares Powderly (right), Executive Director of Franklin Food Pantry, is all smiles after being presented with a grant from PCI for her organization. Sharing the moment are (from left) PCI's Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (second and third left) present Andy Fernandez (third right), Firewall Centers Inc.'s CEO, Rachel Taylor, Firewall Centers Inc.'s Finance Director, and Nancy Chevres, Firewall Centers Inc.'s CPO, with a grant to further their organization's mission. Looking on (at left) is Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (second and third left) present Andy Fernandez (third right), Firewall Centers Inc.'s CEO, Rachel Taylor, Firewall Centers Inc.'s Finance Director, and Nancy Chevres, Firewall Centers Inc.'s CPO, with a grant to further their organization's mission. Looking on (at left) is Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (third left and third right) present Matt Kersh (second right), Chosen's Director of Mission Advancement, and Wade Martin (right), Chosen's VP of Strategic Partnerships, with a grant to their charity organization. Looking on (from left) are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI's Executive VP & CFO, and Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (third left and third right) present Matt Kersh (second right), Chosen's Director of Mission Advancement, and Wade Martin (right), Chosen's VP of Strategic Partnerships, with a grant to their charity organization. Looking on (from left) are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI's Executive VP & CFO, and Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212985979/en/

“Through the PCI Powerhouse Fund, established since 2022, we are privileged to support organizations that profoundly impact the lives of individuals and families,” stated Ismael Diaz, President & CEO of PCI. “Our company’s achievements are measured not only in business milestones but also in the positive change we foster in every community we serve. These grants are a testament to our commitment to act as a catalyst for good.”

On the first day of donations, Firewall Centers and the Franklin Food Pantry were the highlighted recipients. Firewall Centers, known for its dedication to enhancing the lives of underserved students through educational and mentorship programs, received praise from its CEO, Andy Fernandez. “PCI’s support enables us to expand our mission of cultivating servant leaders among our students,” Fernandez noted.

Tina Powderly, the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, echoed this sentiment. “This generous donation from PCI comes at a crucial time and will significantly aid us in addressing holiday season food shortages in and around Franklin,” said Powderly. “It’s a meaningful endorsement of our efforts, especially since it comes recommended by PCI’s own team of volunteers.”

Continuing the spirit of giving on December 10th, PCI supported Mobile School Pantry Inc. South Florida,Chosen Care, Inc., andPurpose Academy (OneHope).Mobile School Pantry’s founder, Zeina Zein-Wolland, highlighted the critical support PCI’s donation provides to their operations, which deliver essential food supplies directly to schools and families in need.

Chosen Care, Inc. also expressed gratitude. Jenni Lord, CEO, shared, “PCI’s funding is instrumental in launching our Displacing Shame curriculum, aiding children and families affected by trauma within the child welfare system. This gift reflects a shared vision of healing and community support.”

Purpose Academy(OneHope), a middle school focused on providing a nurturing educational environment, benefits from PCI’s donation in enhancing academic programs. Superintendent David F. Salvatelli emphasized, “This contribution from PCI significantly boosts our resources, allowing us to further our mission of fostering educational success and long-term community impact.”

Arturo Echarte, Co-founder of PCI, along with his wife Susan, commented on the vision behind the PCI Powerhouse Fund. “We established this fund as a bridge to a brighter future, enhancing our ongoing commitment to community support,” Echarte said. “It’s about more than just funding; it’s about inspiring and participating in transformative efforts that have a lasting impact.”

The fund has previously supported entities like The National Kidney Foundation in Florida and The San Antonio Food Bank in Texas, marking its ongoing legacy of community involvement.

Ismael Diaz concluded, “We invite other businesses to join us in this journey of impactful philanthropy. Together, we can leverage our collective success to make a significant difference in society.”

For more information about PCI and its community initiatives, visit www.pcibrands.com.

About Postal Center International (PCI)

Postal Center International (PCI) was founded in 1984 and is a leading mail, print, fulfillment, signs, and marketing solutions partner. Under the leadership of President & CEO Ismael Diaz since 2006, PCI has become renowned as one of the nation’s fastest-growing postal and mail processing organizations and among the largest state-of-the-art transactional printers. The company’s family of brands employs more than 600 associates, with annual sales of over $500 million, at its locations in the Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, and Midwest regions, with a footprint totaling 562K square feet. PCI delivers exceptional mail, print, signs, fulfillment, promotional, packaging, and marketing solutions for enterprise clients in banking, financial, healthcare, insurance, hospitality, and government nationwide. PCI is a HIPAA-compliant Certified Minority Owned Diverse Supplier at the state and national levels. It holds multiple security, sustainability, and quality certifications, including HITRUST CSF®, TruSight, FDR, PCI DSS, SOC 2 (Type 2), FSC, SFI, PEFC, and G7.

AboutFirewall Centers

AboutThe Franklin Food Pantry

AboutThe Mobile School Pantry of South FL

AboutChosen

AboutPurpose Academy

Purpose Academy's contingent of Naomi Peyton (third right), Principal, Tammy J Hoskins (second right), Board Secretary, and David Salvatelli (right), Superintendent, share a photo opportunity with PCI's Executives and Founders after being given a grant to further their organization's mission. From left are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. (Photo: Business Wire)

Purpose Academy's contingent of Naomi Peyton (third right), Principal, Tammy J Hoskins (second right), Board Secretary, and David Salvatelli (right), Superintendent, share a photo opportunity with PCI's Executives and Founders after being given a grant to further their organization's mission. From left are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mobile School Pantry's Founder Zeina Zein-Wolland (second right) and Board of Directors President Joselin Padron-Rasines (right) share lens time with (from left) the PCI team of Dennis R. Garcia, Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. Mobile School Pantry was one of several recipients of grants from PCI. (Photo: Business Wire)

Mobile School Pantry's Founder Zeina Zein-Wolland (second right) and Board of Directors President Joselin Padron-Rasines (right) share lens time with (from left) the PCI team of Dennis R. Garcia, Executive VP & CFO, Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. Mobile School Pantry was one of several recipients of grants from PCI. (Photo: Business Wire)

Tina Tavares Powderly (right), Executive Director of Franklin Food Pantry, is all smiles after being presented with a grant from PCI for her organization. Sharing the moment are (from left) PCI's Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

Tina Tavares Powderly (right), Executive Director of Franklin Food Pantry, is all smiles after being presented with a grant from PCI for her organization. Sharing the moment are (from left) PCI's Ismael Diaz, President & CEO, and Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (second and third left) present Andy Fernandez (third right), Firewall Centers Inc.'s CEO, Rachel Taylor, Firewall Centers Inc.'s Finance Director, and Nancy Chevres, Firewall Centers Inc.'s CPO, with a grant to further their organization's mission. Looking on (at left) is Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (second and third left) present Andy Fernandez (third right), Firewall Centers Inc.'s CEO, Rachel Taylor, Firewall Centers Inc.'s Finance Director, and Nancy Chevres, Firewall Centers Inc.'s CPO, with a grant to further their organization's mission. Looking on (at left) is Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (third left and third right) present Matt Kersh (second right), Chosen's Director of Mission Advancement, and Wade Martin (right), Chosen's VP of Strategic Partnerships, with a grant to their charity organization. Looking on (from left) are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI's Executive VP & CFO, and Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

PCI Founders Arturo and Susan Echarte (third left and third right) present Matt Kersh (second right), Chosen's Director of Mission Advancement, and Wade Martin (right), Chosen's VP of Strategic Partnerships, with a grant to their charity organization. Looking on (from left) are Dennis R. Garcia, PCI's Executive VP & CFO, and Ismael Diaz, PCI's President & CEO. The handover took place at the annual PCI Powerhouse Fund Gratitude Gathering Event at PCI's Southeast headquarters in Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Residents throughout Serbia stopped in silence for 15 minutes on Friday as part of persistent anti-government protests following the collapse last month of a concrete canopy in the country's north that killed 15 people.

Traffic blockades have taken place each Friday since Nov. 1 at 11:52 a.m., the exact time when the canopy at the railway station building in Novi Sad crashed down on people who were sitting or strolling below on a sunny day.

Initially, 14 people were killed and three were injured, but one more person later died while hospitalized. The two injured remain hospitalized weeks later.

The station building was renovated twice in recent years. Many in Serbia believe rampant corruption led to sloppy work on the building reconstruction, which was part of a wider railroad project with Chinese state companies.

The collapse also has become a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with the growingly autocratic rule of populist President Aleksandar Vučić, reflecting public demands for democratic changes.

Thousands of people, led by university students, on Wednesday evening held a noisy rally outside the state RTS television building over the station's pro-government editorial policies.

RTS has broadcast Vučić's accusations that students were paid from the West and elsewhere to hold protests to overthrow his government.

Friday's traffic blockades took place at dozens of locations throughout the country. Some participants held up their hands in red-painted rubber gloves, a symbol of the protests telling the authorities they have “blood on their hands.”

Serbian media reported that a car rammed through protesters at a blockade spot in Novi Sad. A similar incident was reported a week ago when four musicians were injured while participating in a silent traffic blockade in central Belgrade.

Street protests in recent weeks also occasionally turned violent when pro-government thugs showed up to disrupt opposition-led gatherings and student demonstrations.

Classes at more than 50 university faculties and a number of secondary schools throughout Serbia have been suspended for days.

Serbia's farmers also on Friday blocked a road in central Serbia with their tractors, holding a banner featuring a bloody hand. An actors' guild announced daily protests outside theaters.

Vučić's government has sought to cushion mounting dissatisfaction by publishing around 130 documents related to the railway station building renovation, which has been one of the protest demands.

Prosecutors have arrested 13 people, but a government minister has been released. This has fueled skepticism over the proceedings as the governing populists hold firm control over both police and the judiciary.

Vučić has imposed a tight grip over all state institutions and mainstream media since coming to power more than a decade ago and despite pledging to lead Serbia into the European Union.

People hold a banner that reads "You have blood on your hands" and stop traffic during a silent protest to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People hold a banner that reads "You have blood on your hands" and stop traffic during a silent protest to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People hold a banner that reads "You have blood on your hands" and stop traffic during a silent protest to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People hold a banner that reads "You have blood on your hands" and stop traffic during a silent protest to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic hold placards and stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic hold placards and stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People stopping traffic stand in silence to commemorate the 15 victims of a railway roof collapse six weeks ago, demand accountability for the tragedy, in Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

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