In honor of the late Carly Imbierowicz's birthday on June 23, 300 carbon monoxide detectors were donated to Safe Kids Chester County. Donna Imbierowicz, president, CEO and founder of the Carly Imbierowicz Foundation, presented the detectors to the nonprofit organization, which has a mission of preventing unintentional childhood injuries through programs like car seat safety checks. Safe Kids plans to work with agencies across Chester County to distribute the detectors to area families.

The foundation is named for the daughter of Donna and Matt Imbierowicz, who passed away at the age of 16 on Nov. 22, 2014, along with her friend Daulton Pointek, 17. They died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a vehicle as they drove home from a movie. At the time, both Carly and Daulton were students at Octorara Junior-Senior High School.

One of the foundation's programs is "Save A Family - Save A Pet," which began in November 2024 during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. Through the initiative, which is designed to honor Carly's memory and provide an important service to the community, the foundation donates CO detectors to organizations that can distribute them.

Last November, the foundation supplied 118 detectors to the Cochranville Fire Company that were donated by Lowe's in Avon Grove, where Donna works. At that time, the goal was to collect and distribute 250 CO detectors by the end of 2024.

"We distributed 405 in 2024. And this year our goal is to get 500," Donna reported, noting that the detectors donated to Safe Kids were provided through a partnership between Lowe's and First Alert. "It was very important to me that they be donated on Carly's birthday, which in the past has been so devastating. It really helped a lot."

Donna said she learned about Safe Kids Chester County at the OABEST Expo, where she and her family were giving out detectors.

Individuals and local businesses are invited to join the effort by donating a new CO detector or making a donation to help fund the cost of purchasing one. Donna noted that Stoltzfus Farm Service in Cochranville recently donated 21 detectors. For more information or to learn how to donate, visit http://www.cmiawareness.org.

Donna is also working with the state legislature to help change laws about the mandatory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in places like day care centers and hotels.

Last November, Gov. Josh Shapiro declared November Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. He noted that CO poisoning is known as the "silent killer" because of its lack of color, odor and taste.

"Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas emitted by common household items, including vehicles, malfunctioning heating system and stoves," said Shapiro in the declaration. "This month serves as a great opportunity for increased public awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as a reminder to Pennsylvanians to check that proper precautions are in place to prevent it."

"With Carly's foundation, I am trying to make (Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month) happen in every state," Donna added.