In addition to spreading awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide, the Carly Imbierowicz Foundation continues to provide carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to local families.

Most recently, detectors were given out at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Parkesburg. "We do a Giving Tree every year for families in need. Everybody who we gave a gift to also received a carbon monoxide detector," explained Janice Dagney, director of religious education.

Donna Imbierowicz, who is also a member of the parish, delivered the detectors to the church in time for the Christmas distribution. While there, the children's choir sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and dedicated it to Donna's daughter, Carly.

Carly died on Nov. 22, 2014, at the age of 16 along with her friend Daulton Pointek, 17, when a broken exhaust pipe allowed deadly CO gas to enter the car they were driving through the passenger air vents. Both were students at Octorara Area High School.

Following the tragedy, the family started the foundation and began giving out CO detectors. "My goal in 2025 was to distribute 500 CO detectors. We hit 600," Donna reported. "We hope to beat that in 2026."

The detectors have been given to organizations that can distribute them, including the Keystone Valley Fire Department (KVFD) in Parkesburg, the Cochranville Fire Company, Parkesburg Churches Community Outreach (PCCO) and Safe Kids Chester County. "I try to choose places that can get them into the hands of more people that need them," Donna said. "I also gave detectors to the Octorara Area Food Cupboard."

Many of the CO detectors are donated by Lowe's of Avon Grove, where Donna works. Others are purchased through community donations.

Additionally, the family travels to Harrisburg each year in November, which is declared as CO Awareness Month. In November of 2025, members of the Imbierowicz family as well as friends of Carly met with Sen. Carolyn Comitta, who presented the group with a proclamation. Chester County also issued a proclamation in November, as did Gov. Matt Meyer from the state of Delaware, where Carly was born.

Donna's slogan for the foundation's work is "Save a Family, Save a Pet," words that took on a deeper meaning last year when a detector was installed in a local home by a member of the KVFD. "Last year when one was installed, it went off. The CO level in the house was off the charts," Donna shared. "We do know we are saving lives. I know our efforts are paying off."

She said the foundation is also a way to honor Carly's memory. "I don't want Carly to be a statistic," she said. "Every day is a gift, and it's important to use your passion to make a difference. That's what keeps me going. I'm trying to find ways to feel good, and our foundation has done that for me."

To learn more about the foundation, visit http://www.cmiawareness.org. ("CMI" stands for Carly Marie Imbierowicz).

According to the website, carbon monoxide is a "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless and cannot be detected by humans without the help of an alarm or detector.

People are asked to take precautions against CO poisoning by installing carbon monoxide detectors along with smoke detectors in their homes and checking the batteries in the spring and fall. Homeowners should also have their home heating systems inspected regularly by a certified professional. In addition, vehicle owners should make a habit of opening the garage door before starting their cars, and they should never leave a car running with the garage door closed.

Tips for preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in vehicles include maintaining the car's exhaust system and mufflers, partially opening a window if sitting for a long time in an idling vehicle and installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in the vehicle.

More information and tips can be found at the aforementioned website.