BETHLEHEM – Local businesses and members of the community are doing their part during the season of giving to ensure that giving continues throughout the year for friends, family, and everyone.
As people are eager to celebrate days like ‘Friendsgiving’ and ‘A Day of Giving’, they’re encouraged to reach out to local businesses and the community. There are numerous opportunities for individuals who want to give back during this time of year.
Identifying hats and jackets are signs of the busy volunteers working at the Bethlehem Food Pantry all throughout the year. At the Bethlehem Food Pantry, volunteers are needed to sort and check dates on food, organize, and put food away.
“There’s the potential to volunteer here in the food pantry, working in the office, taking reservations, and assisting with transportation,” said William Vail, the secretary of Bethlehem Senior Services.
The community Christmas dinner is a large initiative that also requires many volunteers. Many local organizations take part, and volunteers are needed to get meals delivered and served to local families in need.
If someone is not in a position to physically volunteer, Vail recommends connecting with the Bethlehem Food Pantry and asking what food is specifically needed.
“It’s a very important message that at Thanksgiving and Christmas we’re thinking of others, but there’s an entire year,” he continued. “The need is just as great every day for families that are struggling.”
He is optimistic about a large turnout of people eager to give back to the community this season and beyond. “Bethlehem is a wonderful community,” he commented. “We all look out for each other. It’s heartening.”
Liam Slattery, who co-owns O’Slattery’s with his wife Jackie, agrees. He vividly describes O’Slattery as a tight community of family and friends. As the restaurant approaches its seventh anniversary in December, he fondly reflects on its success.
“The success of us is only based on the relationship that we have with people in this town,” he said.
A sign on the wall at O’Slattery’s pays homage to his homeland of Ireland and his desire to make everyone feel welcome. The sign translates to ‘Music and Laughter.’ It’s a tribute to the Delmar neighborhood he now calls home.
“I want to make sure that everyone always has that vibe when they come in there that they’re welcome and that we treat everyone the same,” he said.
The majority of O’Slattery’s clients are regulars who are treated as friends. They’re familiar with the popular Tuesday night trivia, live music, and Fáilte beer, which is Irish for ‘welcome’. O’Slattery’s second annual tree lighting is on Friday, Dec. 2, with free hot chocolate for all children and free meals for children under ten.
The community is a vital aspect of O’Slattery’s business. “Family and friendship is what we’re going for, and I think we’ve accomplished that over the years,” said Slattery.
“We really love the support we get from everybody, and they do an amazing job supporting all the businesses in this town,” he added. “It’s a good community. Everybody helps each other.”
