Several batches of perfectly crisp, lightly sauced pizzas from Collegeville Italian Bakery Pizzeria Napoletana turned a regular pizza party into a “Thanks-For-Giving” pre-holiday party at Developmental Enterprises Corporation (DEC) on Wednesday, writes Gary Puleo for The Times Herald.

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Clients and staff at the organization that has supported developmentally disabled individuals reach their full potential for 46 years munched on a variety of premium pies during lunchtime while enjoying the recognition for their ongoing volunteer work from Patrizia and Steve Carcarey, owners of the local icon in Lower Providence.

The couple learned of the DEC clients’ work in the community through longtime friend and customer Mark Phander, who is vice president of the organization.

“Mark brought this to our attention about all the good work they do in the community,” Patrizia said. “This was just our way of thanking them.”

Steve added, “we took our 12-year-old son here last week to see how they do their jobs and impress upon him that they’re no different than anybody else.”

DEC spokesman Ed Shapson noted that misconceptions about developmentally challenged individuals still exist, even though clients, who range in age from 20s to 80s, are contributing to society in more ways than ever.

“It’s a stereotype that we all have, that they’re helpless and depend on other people, but they’re just like anybody else,” he said.

To read the complete story click here.

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