Destinations-Bradford, a community outreach center, is excited to announce the grand opening of its expanded food pantry. At 1 p.m. Oct. 26 the non-profit organization will host a ribbon cutting event.
The Bradford Chamber of Commerce will be on-site for the ribbon cutting as well as a nutritionist from Second Harvest.
Director Mark Lonzi said, “It has been a long time coming. We had a soft opening and are ready for everyone to see what we have done.”
The public is welcome to attend the opening at 4 Mechanic St. The food pantry is connected to the main building, Lonzi said.
He added, “The nutritionist will have samples of the recipe they cook while they are here.” He noted it will be a healthy recipe cooked onsite by the nutritionist who will give instructions and demonstrate how to make the dish.
Another announcement the director had was that the coat drive begins Tuesday and runs until Friday. Coats of all sizes can be dropped off at the following locations:
Destinations Bradford, 1 Main St.
Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, 62 Main St.
Northwest Bank, 33 Main St.
Bradford YMCA, 59 Boylston St., or
Any local church
Distribution of donated coats will take place at the gymnasium at St. Bernard’s school on East Corydon Street from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18. The coats are free to anyone who needs them.
The need is greater than many believe it to be in the region, organizers said, adding the need grows almost daily. Destinations-Bradford maintains a wish list of items that are always needed by the organization. Donations of canned tuna fish, small bottles of laundry and dish soap, as well as shampoo and body wash are currently listed needs.
In 2022, the organization assisted 24% of Bradford’s population with food and supplies, homeless assistance, fuel cards for medical appointments or emergency pharmacy assistance programs.
Assistance from Destinations-Bradford is limited to residents in the Bradford Area School District at this time, but Lonzi said they hope to expand.
For more information, call (814) 362-4551 or stop by between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
