BRADFORD, PA — For Bridgette and Shane Oschman, investing in Bradford isn’t simply something they believe in, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility.

When United Way of the Bradford Area announced its inaugural 814 Day of Action, Shane immediately knew he wanted to be involved. “I remember when I lived in York, Pennsylvania, they held a ‘Day of Giving’ where volunteers came together to help nonprofit organizations tackle projects that never seemed to make it to the top of the priority list,” Shane said. “When I heard our United Way was bringing that idea to Bradford, I was excited to volunteer.”

Although the Oschman’s will be out of town during the event, they didn’t want to miss the opportunity to support it. Instead of volunteering this year, they chose to make a financial contribution. “The least I can do is donate to this worthy cause,” Shane said.

Shane has called Bradford home since 2006, while Bridgette joined the community in 2015. Over the years, Shane has served, and continues to serve, on numerous nonprofit boards, giving him a firsthand understanding of the challenges local organizations face.

“Our community is what we make it,” he said. “I choose to invest in Bradford because I like Bradford. You’ve heard, ‘Only you can prevent forest fires.’ Well, only you can make Bradford the cool town with warm hearts. It isn’t just my responsibility, it’s my privilege.”

United Way’s 814 Day of Action was created to bring volunteers together for two days of hands-on service, helping local nonprofits complete projects that often remain unfinished due to limited staff, funding, and time.

“Having worked with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, I’ve often heard people say, ‘There just isn’t time,'” Shane explained. “In the business world, there usually is time if you make it. But when a nonprofit executive director says there isn’t time, it’s true. They’ve squeezed as much out of the turnip as they can. That’s where volunteers come in.”

While Shane won’t be able to volunteer this year, he hopes others will answer the call. “If you can volunteer, please do,” he said. “If you can’t, participate with a gift. It doesn’t have to be $814. Make it $8.14, $81.40, or even an incredible gift of $8,140. It isn’t the size of the gift that matters, it’s the participation. This is our community. Let’s help make it what we want it to be.”

When asked what he would say to someone considering getting involved, Shane shared a quote that has stayed with him: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank

He summed up his support for the event in one simple statement: “I support 814 Day because Bradford needs it. I was asked to do it. My community and my soul are improved because I did.”

Community support is making this year’s 814 Day of Action possible. United Way extends its sincere appreciation to Our Legacy for providing significant financial support to help launch this inaugural event. Volunteers will also receive a free commemorative 814 Day t-shirt thanks to the generous support of Georgia-Pacific, and Dunkin’ will be fueling volunteers with complimentary coffee and donuts at morning check-in. United Way also extends its gratitude to Monica Austin for her contribution in support of the event. Their generosity demonstrates what can be accomplished when local businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to invest in Bradford.

United Way of the Bradford Area invites community members to join the 814 Day of Action by volunteering on August 14 or 15, hosting their own projects, or by donating to support community improvement projects throughout the Bradford area. Every act of service and every gift, regardless of the amount, helps build a stronger, more connected community.

Together, we can demonstrate the power of community and show what is possible when Bradford comes together to serve.