This week’s Kiwanis luncheon was packed with holiday joy, community spirit, and an inspiring look at the work of the ELF Fund Bradford, a local organization that supports children, seniors, and families throughout the entire year—not just at Christmas.
Happy Dollars & Holiday Smiles
Members shared some heartfelt moments to kick things off:
- Dean celebrated meeting his 11th great-grandchild, baby Sophia.
- Candy shared her joy about spending Christmas with Ashton, Ezra, and Jameson, who lovingly call her “Grandma Candy.”
- Another Happy Dollar recognized the recent newspaper article highlighting Fred and Mark for their service to the community.
Guest Speaker: Ed and the ELF Fund Bradford
Ed — a Bradford native, Pitt graduate, foster parent, Township Supervisor, and Director of Employee Relations at Zippo — gave a powerful presentation about the ELF Fund Bradford and its mission.
Founded in 1983, the ELF Fund began as a one-year effort to help families during a recession. Forty-two years later, it has grown into a 100% volunteer-run, donation-driven organization with almost no overhead thanks to community partners like the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
An Organization That Works Year-Round
Although many know the ELF Fund for Christmas gifts, Ed emphasized that it operates all year long, supporting:
- Children in need
- Senior citizens, including many who are shut-in
- Special cases involving crisis situations
- Unaccompanied minors—teens without stable family support
This year alone, the ELF Fund will help:
- 200 senior citizens
- 202 families
- 475 children
Gift tag participation at local businesses has been incredibly strong, and this Friday’s Distribution Day is expected to be one of their most successful yet.
Helping Seniors Beyond the Holidays
The ELF Fund provides $750 in Chamber of Commerce certificates each month to the Senior Center, offering older adults help with essentials like groceries and medications.
They also sponsor customized holiday events at local care facilities in honor of the late Mary Jane Morris, keeping her tradition of spreading cheer alive in a new way.
Supporting Special Cases and At-Risk Youth
Ed shared a powerful recent story about helping a pregnant 16-year-old and her boyfriend who were left homeless just before Thanksgiving. When all other housing options fell through, the ELF Fund stepped in to secure temporary lodging and ensure their safety.
The organization also supports unaccompanied minors with gift cards, school supplies, gas cards, and opportunities to enjoy normal teenage experiences while they navigate adult responsibilities.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Literacy
The ELF Fund Bradford also invests in literacy programs, book giveaways, and school initiatives like Reading Under the Lights. Ed hopes to expand into adult education, including budgeting and literacy classes to help families build long-term stability.
Kiwanis members noted how closely this mission aligns with ours, and discussed opportunities for partnership.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
- Thanks were extended for our contribution to the Governor’s Box for Babies project.
- Kapers practice will be held December 7, 13, and 14 at Starlet Dance Connection.
- Volunteers are needed Thursday the 18th from 9:30–10:00 AM at School Street Elementary to help K-Kids assemble 70 gifts for seniors.
- Next week’s speaker: Taylor, Director of the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center.
A Closing Thought
We ended with a reflection from Mother Teresa:
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
A fitting reminder of the work being done by the ELF Fund Bradford and the volunteers who make our community stronger every day.
Want to Make a Difference in Bradford? Join Us.
If this week’s presentation inspired you, consider becoming part of the work we do year-round. Kiwanis is always looking for caring, community-minded people who want to help children, support local initiatives, and strengthen Bradford’s future.
👉 Become a member and help change lives — one act of kindness at a time.