September 12 email: Standing Together: Supporting Mitzvah Circle, Welcoming Jack, and More from Team 151

Rep. Melissa Cerrato September 12, 2025

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, I shared the devastating news of the fire at Mitzvah Circle, a beloved organization that has been a lifeline for so many, providing dignity, comfort, and essential items to families in crisis. The damage to their space is heartbreaking, and the loss of over $1.2 million worth of items is staggering. Honestly, the pictures cannot even begin to capture how awful this was or convey what a huge blow it was to our community, which depends on the incredible work of Mitzvah Circle.

?? But in moments like these, we’re reminded of the strength of our community. We’ve already dropped off our first carload of donations, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed so far. Your generosity is making a real difference.

?? Mitzvah Circle urgently needs our help. If you’re able, please consider donating any of the following:

?? Sneakers (all sizes—women’s, men’s, and children’s; new or gently used)
?? Underwear (women’s, men’s, and boys’; must be new)
?? Toiletries (new)
?? Baby items (new)

Every item donated is a step toward healing and hope for families who need it most. Let’s show what compassion looks like in action.

Donations can be dropped off at my office Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.

Please join me in welcoming our newest intern, Jack!

Jack is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, where he majored in Applied Ecology and minored in Political Science. A proud Upper Dublin resident, he is passionate about the environment and spends as much time outdoors as possible. We’re thrilled to have Jack on Team 151 and know he will bring great energy and insight to our work.

Important conversations are happening around youth sports

I recently sat down with Carly, a local therapist, youth sports coach, and parent, who raised serious concerns about the lack of oversight in youth sports across Pennsylvania. With no federal regulation, many programs are run by private clubs, which Carly believes can create environments that are unsafe, costly, and high-pressure.

We discussed the risks of year-round specialization, overtraining, and the rise in injuries and burnout among young athletes. While sports offer tremendous benefits, we must ensure our kids are both protected and supported. I’m grateful to Carly for her advocacy and insight, and I’m committed to learning more and continuing the conversation.

Spotlight on innovation: Touring CAES Honeywell in Lansdale

I had a fantastic time touring CAES Honeywell in Lansdale alongside Rep. Guenst and Rep. Munroe!

From cutting-edge technology to high-impact innovation, CAES is doing incredible work right here in our region, supporting national defense, aerospace, and advanced electronics. It was inspiring to see firsthand how their team is driving progress and creating well-paying jobs in our community.

Currently, CAES employs about 460 members from our local communities and is looking to add more than 100 additional team members by the end of the year. They are hosting job fairs nearly every month, and I’ve included the information for anyone who may be interested in joining the October fair.

I am grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and explore how we can continue supporting Pennsylvania’s growing tech and manufacturing sectors.

Upcoming Events

Fall Shredding Event TOMORROW

Join us for our Free Shredding Event tomorrow—a fantastic opportunity to protect your personal information while making a positive impact on your community! ??????

Safely dispose of old documents and keep your sensitive information out of the wrong hands. Paper shredding is a powerful deterrent to identity theft, making it nearly impossible for thieves to reconstruct private details. Plus, shredding supports paper recycling, helping to reduce waste in landfills!

And here’s another way to give back—bring non-perishable food items for donation and support local food banks while you’re here.

We’re thrilled to offer this service again for our constituents. Protect your identity, reduce waste, and help your community—all in one event! Hope to see you there!