12/08/2025
The following article talks about the origins of our Alift program and how things got started. We recently helped our 80th family, all throughout Pennsylvania and southern tier New York. We are able to do this only because of the generosity of donors. Whether you are a logging contractor, sawmill owner or in any way involved in the timber industry that depends on independent logging contractors to help your business, we could use your support. Please consider a donation to help Alift continue to help logging accident victims and their families.
ALIFT: A Helping Hand When Loggers Need It Most
More than ten years ago, it felt like tragedy was striking our rural communities in Northeast Pennsylvania far too often. House fires, car accidents, serious health issues—heartbreaking stories seemed to come one after another. But true to the spirit of small towns, our communities always rose to the occasion. Neighbors organized fundraisers—bingo nights, chicken barbecues, golf tournaments—to support families in crisis.
While the generosity was never in short supply, the process always started from scratch. A new group of volunteers had to come up with an idea, plan the event, find helpers, and make it happen. All of this took time—precious time that families in crisis didn’t have. It often took weeks, sometimes months, before the money raised actually reached those in need.
As a Certified Forester, I’ve spent over 40 years working with independent logging contractors across Pennsylvania and southern tier New York. “Independent” is the key word. These are self-employed, hardworking individuals in one of the most dangerous professions in the country. They have no union, no employer-funded benefits, and no guaranteed safety net. When an accident happens—and they do—it can bring immediate financial strain to the entire family.
That’s when the idea for Alift was born: What if there was already a fund in place, ready to step in right away when a logger was injured or killed? No waiting, no scrambling—just fast, direct support when families need it most.
We established Alift—Assisting Loggers Immediately Fund Trust—to provide just that. Our mission is to deliver immediate financial help to logging families facing sudden hardship. When a breadwinner can’t work, bills don’t wait. Groceries, utility payments, fuel costs for traveling to medical appointments—these everyday needs don’t pause during a crisis. Even though most loggers carry insurance, that help can take weeks to process. Alift steps in to bridge that critical gap.
In the ten years since we started, Alift has provided direct financial assistance to 80 families across Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York. Our board is made up of professionals who understand both the forest industry and the real-life challenges of working families: Certified Foresters, a logging contractor, an education specialist, a senior insurance underwriter, and a CPA. When an accident occurs, we make every effort to get a check into the family’s hands within just a few days.
We can’t prevent accidents, but we can make sure that no logging family faces the aftermath alone. That’s the heart of Alift.
Photo Caption: Mark Gardner's wife Pam looks on as he holds a check from ALIFT.
Mark Gardner of Ridgway, PA had just finished his cut on a tree. As it was falling, it struck a 3-4” diameter tree which came back towards Mark as he was retreating, The tree struck Mark on the right shoulder and pinned him to the ground. Another employee was able to cut the small tree off Mark and take him to the hospital. He sustained a broken scapula, 10 broken ribs, collapsed lung and a fractured ankle. He was taken to Erie where he stayed for 3 nights for observation. Mark will be out of work for at least 12 weeks. ALIFT was able to provide some financial assistance. Please keep Mark and his family in your prayers.
