Garwood Pen Company Donates $15K To Union County College

GARWOOD, NJ — The Pen Company of America, based in Garwood donated $15,000 to the Union County College Foundation.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the Pen Company of America pivoted from making pens and started producing personal protective equipment (PPE) to help meet the needs of the community. The funds donated to the Foundation came from a portion of PPE sales.

Business slowed down at first for the company during the pandemic until they made the switch to PPE, according to Colleen Shea, vice president of sales of the Pen Company of America.

Shea has a personal connection to Union County College as her daughter graduated from the college this spring with a degree in Sport Management.

The $15,000 donation to Union County College was divided toward two separate funds: $5,000 is allocated to the COVID-19 Student Emergency Relief Fund which supports student financial needs brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. To date, this fund has raised almost $1 million thanks to the generosity of corporate and individual donors.

The other $10,000 is going toward two scholarships established for nursing students.

"We are so appreciative of the Pen Company of America, a local business within Union County, who is supporting our students. Now more than ever, it is critical that unite to tackle the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. Our hope is that with the help and support of our community and local businesses, like the Pen Company of America, we can ensure that our students are able to focus on their studies by assisting with basic needs and tuition," said Doug Rouse, Union County College Foundation Executive Director.

For questions about the Union County College Foundation’s mission call the Foundation at 908-709-7505.

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