Complete Story
05/18/2026
UPFDA Members Bring New Charitable Partner Program to Life in Charleston
This spring, UPFDA took an important step forward in its commitment to service by launching the new Charitable Partner Program and immediately putting that commitment into action through a volunteer project in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Charitable Partner Program was created to formalize and expand UPFDA's efforts to give back to communities while engaging members in meaningful service opportunities that align with the values and expertise of the pest management industry. Through the program, UPFDA contributes financial support to a selected nonprofit organization while encouraging members to participate through volunteer service, industry knowledge, and hands-on involvement.
Following a member-driven nomination and selection process, P.E.S.T. Relief International was chosen as UPFDA's inaugural Charitable Partner. The organization was selected from a pool of four outstanding nonprofit candidates based on its alignment with UPFDA's mission and its ability to provide meaningful opportunities for member engagement.
P.E.S.T. Relief International is dedicated to empowering, sustaining, and transforming the lives of orphaned, abused, and at-risk individuals. Through its REST (Restore Essential Shelter and Treatment) Initiative, the organization works to make shelters and residential facilities safer and healthier places to live by providing clean bedding, pest management solutions, and support for hygiene, nutrition, and overall well-being.
During the UPFDA Spring Conference in Charleston this April, members had the opportunity to see that mission firsthand. Twenty-one UPFDA volunteers partnered with P.E.S.T. Relief International to complete a REST Initiative project at the Star Gospel Mission, the oldest nonprofit organization in Charleston. Since 1904, Star Gospel Mission has served individuals and families experiencing homelessness and provides a wide range of support services to those in need.
Throughout the day, UPFDA volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help improve living conditions for residents served by the Mission. The team prepared residential spaces for seasonal transitions, installed mattress encasements and pillow protectors throughout the facility, deployed bed bug detection systems, and assembled 125 essential kits for emergency intake residents and individuals unable to stay within the shelter.
The work supported several Star Gospel Mission programs, including the Men's Lodge, the Greenhouse apartment complex, and the Morning Light program for mothers and children. Together, these efforts provided practical protection, improved hygiene, and greater peace of mind for residents.
The project demonstrated the power of combining industry expertise with a shared commitment to service. What might seem like simple tasks—encasing mattresses, installing monitoring devices, and assembling care kits—can have a significant impact on the health, comfort, and dignity of vulnerable populations.
As UPFDA President Pat Lynch noted when announcing the partnership, the Charitable Partner Program reflects "the heart of our industry—professionals using their expertise to make a real difference in people's lives."
The enthusiasm shown by UPFDA members in Charleston confirmed that the new program is already fulfilling its purpose. Volunteers not only contributed valuable labor and resources but also strengthened relationships with fellow members while making a tangible difference in the community.
The success of the Charleston project marks the beginning of what UPFDA hopes will be a long and impactful relationship with P.E.S.T. Relief International. Through continued volunteer opportunities, financial support, and member engagement, the association looks forward to expanding its charitable impact while showcasing the positive contributions that pest management professionals make every day.
Thank you to all the members who volunteered their time, energy, and expertise in Charleston. Your participation helped launch this exciting new initiative and demonstrated the generosity, professionalism, and community spirit that define UPFDA.
If you would like to learn more about UPFDA’s Charitable Partnership or make a donation to Pest Relief International, please follow the links below:
Check out the images below depicting UPFDA members hard at work installing mattress and pillow encasements and serving the Charleston’s Star Gospel Mission in multiple ways.
