BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. — This giveaway at the Independent Baptist Church on York Avenue in Towanda began more than ten years ago as a small winter coat giveaway.
Since then, it has blossomed into a full-fledged annual giveaway of clothing, appliances, furniture, and more.
The Bradford County community donated it all.
Sue Wheeler, a volunteer, says, “We just love doing this, and all of the people that work here love doing this. It's just great that people just come.”
On this first morning of the giveaway, tables were piled high with various items, and the furniture section outside was packed to the brim.
Volunteers say more than 450 people showed up in the first forty-five minutes.
Donations have helped people from all over Bradford County and beyond as the giveaway grows yearly.
“There's somebody that comes and takes our sneakers and sends them overseas, and then he uses that money to take care of feral cats.”
But it has also greatly impacted Bradford County for one couple.
Garth and Cheryl Pratt lost their home to a fire in May and were forced to start from square one.
Garth Pratt says, “They've supplied us with things we needed, so now we're just replacing the small stuff.”
It is a small gesture with a significant impact from this church to their community.
Pratt says, “We're building back, so we'll get our new home on November 18. It's being shipped, so.”
The Independent Baptist Church in Towanda and its annual giveaway help to lighten the burden of starting over.
The giveaway will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday in Bradford County.
If you would like more information on the giveaway, you can click here.