Back-to-school giveaway Project Big Love canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions

Project Big Love, a big back-to-school giveaway held in Mont Alto, will not happen as scheduled due to the tightened COVID-19 restrictions Gov. Tom Wolf put in place last week. 

The annual event was to take place this Saturday, July 25. 

Organizers had already changed the event to a drive-thru format, but their legal representation reported it is not clear if that would comply with the state's restriction limiting outdoor gatherings to 250 people or less. Organizers expected around 3,000 people this year. 

Co-founder Shon Duty said the event may be moved to another date if the local impact of the coronavirus creates an opportunity before school starts and the event can obtain a waiver from the governor's office. Otherwise, the plan is to come back in 2021. 

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Inspired by his own experience as a child, Duty, with his wife Tammy, founded Project Big Love nine years ago as a way to provide backpacks, school supplies, new shoes, haircuts, groceries and other items needed for back-to-school to local families in need. The event depends on volunteers, donations and sponsorships. 

“Tammy and I want to thank all of our leaders and volunteers for all of the hard work that went into getting ready for this year, and for sacrificing their time and energy for the event. We also want to thank everyone who donated to help support us," Shon Duty said. "Your donations made it possible to host PBL2020. If PBL is unable to obtain a waiver, please be confident your donation has already pre-purchased a large portion of supplies for PBL2021. On the bright side, thanks to your giving, the only things we will have to fundraise for in ‘21 will be the functions we weren’t having this year -- Kids’ Zone, tents, T-shirts, entertainment, and we are still aggressively looking for a grocery sponsor for 2021.”

For updates on Project Big Love, and to support the outreach, visit: www.projectbiglove.org; email: info@projectbiglove.org; or call: 717-788-4393. Also check out the Facebook page, facebook.com/ProjectBigLove/.