Outpouring of support enables nonprofit to purchase new boiler
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
A student mural program is one of many activities that will resume when the Bridge Academy doors reopen with a new heating system.
Some of the donations toward the $20,000 heating system were as small as $10, but they were all appreciated, said the staff and board of the Bridge Academy and Community Center.
The Coatesville nonprofit, which operates a variety of programs that weekly serve about 200 people, mainly children, had to shut the doors at its Olive Street facility recently when its 75-year-old boiler quit and the temperature dipped to 45 degrees.
The bailout took less than two weeks, and a new unit has been purchased. Once it arrives, the staff estimates that installation will take about three days, and they are guardedly optimistic that programs can resume by the middle of next week.
“We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who gave, supported, and prayed,” said an email from the operators. “…without your willingness to give from your hearts, we would not have raised this money. All of your encouraging notes and words kept us going and blessed us incredibly throughout the entire time.”
