Tom DePietro, Pharm D, actually put his walls to work when he agreed to an off-the-wall sponsorship request.
Working with the Mosaic Project, a non-profit organization, DePietro’s Pharmacy is now adorned with “The Home of the Bucks,” a mural featuring the local high school football team storming the field. The response from the community was so overwhelming that a year later DePietro’s sponsored a second mural celebrating the Dunmore Lady Bucks basketball team that won the Pennsylvania Class 3A State Championship.
“When they were first complete, we received a bit of media and lots of people took selfies,” said DePietro, himself a former Dunmore Buck. “But everyone also loves what they signify: that we’re an independent, hometown business dedicated to serving our neighbors. It’s a symbol of local pride and shows we’re not going anywhere.”
While DePietro’s Pharmacy is known for “typical” community engagement activities, the team regularly finds new ways to connect. For example, they take their syringes and stethoscopes on the road, hosting multiple vaccines clinics with businesses, schools, and senior living communities.
“I find it incredibly rewarding to be involved with such great organizations,” said DePietro. “As I always say, ‘Keep your bucks in Bucktown.’”
Off-the-wall ideas pay on-the-mark dividends
Yes, you’re a Rotarian. Yes, you sponsor every Little League, Pop Warner and small fry team. Yes, you do what’s expected.
But doing what isn’t expected will bring unexpectedly positive—and profitable—results. Community engagement isn’t simply another task on your never-ending to-do list. It’s the very reason you chose to do what you do. As such, you have the chance to weave your knowledge, expertise, and business into the very fabric of your community. These connections get people talking and thinking about your business as a partner, a friend, and a community member. Isn’t that your very purpose?
Looking for ideas? Try these.
- Partner with a local artist or high school art class to share their talent by painting a mural, àla Depietro’s Pharmacy. No outdoor space? Try something inside. Work with the artist or teacher to develop a theme, a plan, and a budget. Partner with a local hardware store for supplies. Make it selfie-friendly to draw people in.
- Create a free hygiene box program for local teachers. Fill the kits with soap, wipes, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine products to give to students in need.
- Do you have an underused conference room? Offer that space to book clubs, support groups, professional organizations, and more. Your expertise is a community resource, but your brick-and-mortar shop can be, too.
- Once a month or so, host local bands, singers, and other entertainers for a “Tiny Performance.” Be sure to include elementary and high schools as well as senior centers, or church groups.
- Reach out to local and regional chambers of commerce and offer to host after-hours networking events, business functions, or lunch and learns.
- Serve on local boards, councils, and planning committees. You may know of relevant funding or health resources that others don’t. Your advocacy and connections can make a true difference in the health and well-being of your community.
- You and your team are likely already volunteering in your community. If not, brainstorm with your team about how to get involved. Think of the groups you can help, such as seniors, children, teens, or animals. Then contact organizations that line up with your interests. Your team might decide to volunteer together once a month at a food pantry. Or host a pet adoption event in partnership with your local animal rescue. When you and your team volunteer, make sure you’re decked out in your pharmacy’s branded gear.
- Offer free seminars on relevant topics like aging in place, navigating insurance, or becoming a caregiver. Do this on a recurring basis so people get in the habit of attending. Offer light refreshments to encourage guests to mingle and walk around your shop.
- You host pharmacy interns, but why not expand your internship program to business and other programs? Most community colleges and universities encourage students to intern. Work with professors and students to create projects focusing on target areas, such as developing a marketing campaign, refreshing your website, or building an app.
- Make yourself available as a reliable source on healthcare for local and regional news organizations. Reporters are constantly looking for knowledgeable, friendly healthcare experts.
- Fill the role of community health expert—even when no one is sick. Set up a “Talk to a Pharmacist” table at the weekly farmer’s market. People are overwhelmed with healthcare options and information. So, answer questions and offer advice. You might even focus on one topic each week such as, “How to Read Supplement Labels” or “Tips to Relieve Allergies.”
“Being actively involved in our community has allowed us to build real relationships, better understand the needs of our neighbors, and provide care that goes beyond the counter,” said DePietro. “When we support local events, schools, and organizations, we strengthen the trust that makes independent pharmacy so valuable. Community involvement helps us grow together.”
More articles from the June 2026 issue:
- Your Mid-Year Front-End Profit Surge
- When Medicines Misbehave
- Saying Goodbye to the Penny
- Prevention Starts Here
- One Last Puff
- From Expired to Empowered
- The Heart of Local Healthcare
- Doing Well by Doing Good
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