COMMUNITY CONSERVATION

42. Berks History Center

Fittingly, the Berks History Center is historic. Founded in 1869 as the Historical Society of Berks County, the organization aims to spotlight the county’s distinctive history and diverse people while preserving its heritage. Its toolbox for achieving said goals includes an onsite museum and library, educational programs, workshops, community events and bus trips.

610.375.4375 | berkshistory.org

43. Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Housed in the former home of the Boyertown Auto Body Works, which operated at the site from 1872 until 1990, this museum celebrates the state’s transportation history. Not just featuring cars and trucks, the seven-days-a-week attraction displays more than 75 vehicles, including horse-drawn carriages and wagons, even historic roadside architecture.

610.367.2090 boyertownmuseum.org

Helping to protect the environment and preserve the county’s natural resources has been second nature to Berks Nature for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1974 as the Berks County Conservancy, the organization stewards and/or owns hundreds of acres of land, manages 27 miles of trails, and aims to spread the word about conservation through community projects and educational programming. Nestled among Reading’s Angelica Creek Park, the nonprofit’s headquarters shares space with its Eco-Camp and preschool.

610.372.4992 | berksnature.org

45. Foundation for the Reading Pagoda

When people think of Reading, they often think of the Pagoda, the historic beacon that has stood sentinel 620 feet above the city for more than a century. The Foundation for the Reading Pagoda wants to make sure it stays that way, providing oversight for the preservation and maintenance of the Mount Penn landmark. readingpagoda.com

46. Habitat for Humanity of Berks County

Founded in 1988, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built dozens of homes for moderateincome families in the county to purchase. Its ReStore location in Temple, which offers hard-to-find items and discounted liquidated products from national retailers, helps to fund the nonprofit’s mission.

610.921.1315 | habitatberks.org

47. United Way of Berks County

Working with 33 agency partners to address the needs of the community — specifically education, financial stability, health and safety net services — United Way offers assistance, training and care to more than 150,000 people each year. Its annual capital campaign spotlights the enduring generosity of Berks Countians: last year’s tally was over $11 million, well above the organization’s $10.5 million goal.

610.685.4550 | uwberks.org

48. Berks County Community Foundation

Since its founding in 1994, Berks County Community Foundation has focused on improving the quality of life of individuals, families, organizations and businesses in the community by disbursing grants and scholarships from the hundreds of charitable funds it manages. A recent success story is the Power of the Purse in Berks County fund, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help women seeking jobs and education.

610.685.2223 | bccf.org

49. The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

Strengthening connections and fostering community is the overarching goal of this organization. Its partnerships and fundraising help to assist those in need, offer counseling services, award scholarships for Jewish camps, and provide educational and cultural programming. Albright College’s Lakin Holocaust Library and Resource Center is sponsored by the federation.

610.921.0624 | readingjewishcommunity.org

50. Visit West Reading

Nearing the turn of the millennium, with West Reading’s commercial district going south, borough council created the Main Street Foundation to address the issues along the Penn Avenue corridor. Years later, the West Reading Elm Street program was created to improve neighborhoods. In 2012, the entities merged, forming a partnership of residents, government officials and business leaders that continues to this day.

610.927.6904 | visitwestreading.org

BY DONNA REED