The Tioga County Open Door Mission of Owego held its annual Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Elks Lodge in Owego. The Red Door, located on Broad Street in Waverly, will hold its annual Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. <\/p>\n
The party is free and all are welcomed. The lower part of Park Avenue down to Broad Street will be blocked off for the festivities. <\/p>\n
\u201cSanta was expected to be at both locations, and while they last, toys, winter coats, blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves will be distributed,\u201d said Mary Sobol, executive director of The Red Door and the Tioga County Open Door Mission of Owego.<\/p>\n
Also, children\u2019s books and bibles will be given out, along with personal care items for children. And to keep warm, free hot chocolate and snacks will be available. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a 501 (c)(3) organization and everything stays local. We provide food and financial assistance all year round including Thanksgiving and Christmas,\u201d said Sobol.<\/p>\n
She added that the two entities run three food pantries in Tioga County – the Waverly Senior Food Pantry, the Lockwood Food Pantry, and the Owego Food Pantry. <\/p>\n
The Tioga County Open Door Mission and The Red Door thrift stores support an extensive outreach program and all proceeds stay local. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who needs financial aid in Waverly can get an application at The Red Door, and all others can go to the Owego location,\u201d Sobol added.<\/p>\n
Waverly\u2019s Red Door holds space for AA and NA meetings, and is a support for the recovery community. The Owego location provides a sober living house for men in recovery. <\/p>\n
If you would like to make a donation to support any of these outreach programs or volunteer, you can call (607) 687-1121. If you would like to donate your change, they also have \u201cBE THE CHANGE\u201d collection sites at the Broad Street Barber Shop, Soprano\u2019s Market and The Red Door, all in Waverly, and in Owego at the Tioga County Open Door Mission.<\/p>\n