Grant Funds Voucher Program

SACKS Resale Shop Manager Penny Woodmansee (left) and Audrey Gilligan, assistant manager, display a sample clothing voucher. Through a new grant from the United Way of Bradford, vouchers have been given to three local organizations for use in the Bradford store at 26 Pine St. that’s operated by Bradford Hospital Auxiliary.
(Photo Courtesy of BRMC)

A $500 grant from the United Way of the Bradford Area will enable Bradford Hospital Auxiliary’s SACKS Resale Shop to provide clothing vouchers to three local organizations seeking to help needy individuals.

“We will be able to give clothing vouchers in equal amounts to the YWCA of Bradford, Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross. These local organizations will then give the vouchers to people with clothing needs,” says Virginia Digel-Neel, the Auxiliary’s executive director.

The clothing vouchers will be given to individuals deemed eligible by the YWCA, Catholic Charities or the Red Cross, Mrs. Digel-Neel says. Qualifying individuals given vouchers will then be able to go to SACKS at 26 Pine St. in Bradford to select clothing. The resale shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. SACKS carries a variety of nearly new or gently used clothing, books and housewares. Proceeds from the Auxiliary’s resale shop, which has
been operating for more than 25 years, benefit Bradford Regional Medical Center.

“We’re happy this voucher grant allows us to address a real need in the community,” Mrs. Digel-Neel says, noting it’s a program that could be re-funded quarterly. The Auxiliary was approached about six weeks ago to apply for a $500 grant through the United Way’s Community Innovations funding program, Mrs. Digel-Neel explains. “The clothing voucher program was established following conversation with local agencies regarding the increasing need for clothing in the community,” says Mandi Wilton Davis, the United Way’s assistant director. “Through that conversation, it was determined that the United Way of Bradford’s Community Innovations grant application process would be an ideal starting point,” she notes.

It was recommended the Auxiliary apply the first time for a $500 grant, which is not the maximum amount that can be given, Mrs. Davis adds. “If this voucher program is successful, the Auxiliary can reapply for up to $1,500 every quarter,” Mrs. Davis notes. The remaining grant application deadlines are July 1 and Oct. 1 of this year.
The Community Innovations program was established in 2003 with the redesign of the United Way’s allocation process, Mrs. Davis explains. Funds are provided to programs with the potential to impact the local community in a beneficial way. “Because of the great need for clothing, I believe the Auxiliary won’t hesitate to reapply for the maximum $1,500 grant amount each quarter,” Mrs. Digel-Neel states.

The 75-year-old Auxiliary, with over 200 volunteers, has expanded in scope to raise awareness and funds to provide volunteer services and support for BRMC’s services, programs, equipment, construction and community programs. As evidence of its work, the Auxiliary donated more than $67,000 to the hospital last year. The Auxiliary also has pledged $300,000 toward BRMC’s “Building the Future” capital campaign. This campaign, now in its third year through the Bradford Hospital Foundation, has raised over $4.6 million toward its $6 million goal.