December 7, 2011
Ever since the Valley Rally, The Bridge of the Penn-York Valley Churches has wanted to do something to benefit the flooded businesses in Athens. Now it can, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers.
Recently, Sikorsky contacted The Bridge to find out if we could use some office furniture. Sikorsky is closing the original Schweitzer plant and wanted to clear out all the furnishings. A trip was made to Sikorsky to view and select a large quantity of furniture. The Bridge then contacted David Rosenbloom, president of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of Jay Carpet and Jay Furniture.
David, who explained that his staff is all working off of folding tables, was very excited about getting some real office equipment. A target date was set for going to Sikorsky with a tractor trailer, and a team was assembled. Rynone Manufacturing agreed to donate a truck and driver. Employees from Jay and Lowerys, and volunteers from The Bridge, spent a day busily loading the truck, and then unloading it again at The Bridge Furniture Warehouse.
All told, dozens of modern wood desks, file cabinets, office chairs, and shelving units were brought in thanks to the generosity of Sikorsky and the many volunteers. The Athens Business Association is being provided with an inventory of the furniture so that they can create a plan for an equitable distribution to the flooded businesses.
The Bridge is pleased to having facilitated getting these needed items for our community’s flooded businesses.