Fundraiser shines light on organ donor program

By VINNY VELLA | For the Pocono Record

Visitors to Kinsley's Shop-Rite in Brodheadsville can do more than buy groceries today.

Jim Kintz, one of the supermarket's assistant managers, is organizing a Donor Awareness Day from noon to 4 p.m. with help from the American Red Cross.

"I want to get awareness out there for organ donation," Kintz said. "I figured it wouldn't hurt to get the blood mobile out here, too."

In addition to a Red Cross blood drive, the event will feature a bounce castle and balloons for kids, as well as a concession stand and local restaurant gift card raffle, the proceeds from which will benefit a kidney transplant patient who is having surgery later this summer.

"Insurance covers most of the expenses, but there are other incidentals, like transportation and lodging for the parents, that add up," Kintz said. "We're doing our best to cover those for this family."

He said that there is no specific monetary goal in mind, but hopes to raise at least $3,000.

Kintz's dedication to organ donation stems from his own charity. Last August, the Marshalls Creek resident donated one of his kidneys to the domino kidney program at Johns Hopkins Hospital on behalf of Lauren Davis, a music teacher at East Stroudsburg Elementary School.

Though Kintz's kidney was given to another patient, his donation allowed the program to find a compatible kidney for Davis in a fraction of the usual time.

A year after the operation, Kintz is looking to raise awareness through what he hopes will become an annual event.

"This is a lifelong mission for me," Kintz said. "I think there are a lot of myths out there about donating your organs and people need to know the truth."

Kintz, Davis and other volunteers will be handing out information about organ donation during the event. Donors and recipients will also be present, sharing their personal stories.

Inside the store, local "celebrity baggers" will greet customers and help drive attention for the event. State Reps. Mario Scavello, Rosemary Brown and Mike Carroll will help package groceries, as will Monroe County Commissioners Janet Weidensaul and Theresa Merli and Ned Steiner, owner of Ned's On 9th.