POTTSTOWN PA – More than 140 walkers have signed up, and more than $36,000 has been pledged so far, to support the upcoming “Coldest Night of the Year Walk” fund-raiser in Pottstown. The Saturday (Feb. 22) event benefits the Pottstown Beacon of Hope in its effort to assist local individuals experiencing homelessness.
The walk’s webpage reports that, as of Wednesday (Feb. 19) at 4 p.m., the fund-raiser is meeting 73 percent of its $50,000 goal. Beacon of Hope representatives, in a media release, say they are pleased with its progress toward “a meaningful cause.”
The money will be used to fund the organization’s current and future warming center operations in the borough.
The walk kicks off Saturday at 4 p.m. from the YWCA Tri-County Area, 301 King St. More walkers, teams, and pledges are welcome, Beacon of Hope adds, as the community works to “change the tune for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.”
- Read an earlier story below, published Jan. 31 (Friday) by Travels With The Post, about Pottstown Beacon of Hope and its plans for the walk.
Pottstown ‘Coldest Night’ Walk Raises Funds for Warmth
POTTSTOWN PA – A family-friendly winter fund-raising walk to support local individuals experiencing homelessness is being planned Feb. 22 (Saturday), beginning at 4 p.m., from the YWCA Tri-County Area facility at 301 King St. The event is being labeled as “The Coldest Night of the Year.”
Pottstown Beacon of Hope, the walk’s local non-profit sponsor, hopes to raise $50,000 for its current and future warming center operations within the borough. More than 90 walkers have signed up as of Thursday (Jan. 30), and have pledged to donate about 35% of its goal.
Participants can choose between two routes, of 2 or 5 kilometers, that will be set in downtown Pottstown. They can form their own team of walkers, join with other teams accepting walkers, cover a route by themselves, or simply donate to the cause.
With any choice, organizers say, walkers can help Beacon of Hope continue to provide essential services to those in need within the community.
The day’s events start with a walker check-in from 4-4:45 p.m., followed by brief opening remarks, and a walk start at 5 p.m. It will be followed at 6 p.m. by a light meal for walkers, and end by 7 p.m.
Walker registrations can be quickly completed online. No registration fee is required, and participants of all ages are welcomed. Walkers age 18 and older who raise $150 or more, and those age 17 and younger who raise $75 or more, will receive a toque as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
Registrants also can quickly create their own personal fundraising page to share with their network of family, friends, neighbors, or other potential donors. Donations can be made securely online. Gifts of $20 or more automatically receive a tax receipt.
“The Coldest Night of the Year” also is in need of volunteers. To learn more send an e-mail to aabbey@pottstownbeaconofhope.org.
Keeping Them Warm and Safe
Pottstown Beacon of Hope is dedicated to building trusting relationships with men and women who are experiencing homelessness. Advocates report it working to supply resources necessary to assist them in personal growth, independent living, and permanent housing. Walkers can “make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Pottstown,” it says.
The organization currently operates a rotating “warming center” in Pottstown at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, First Presbyterian Church, St. James Lutheran, and Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ. The organization hopes to create a permanent, around-the-clock shelter in the community; its plans are “awaiting finalization,” it adds.
The event’s local sponsors include Pottstown Hospital-Tower Health, The Lowa Group Inc., Hobart’s Run, David Garner Law, St. James Lutheran Church Women’s Group, and Fast Signs.
Top photo provided by Pottstown Beacon of Hope
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