MATTRESSES ACROSS MCKEAN COUNTY COMPLETES FIRST MATTRESS DISTRIBUTION

 Forty-three new mattresses were provided to those in need throughout McKean County. August 25, 2020 – Mattresses Across McKean County introduced their project on June 14, 2019, and nearly one year later, they successfully completed their first mattress distribution. Amid a pandemic that limited the group’s ability to meet in person and delayed everything around us, they were able to provide 43 new mattresses to individuals in Eldred, Bradford, Lewis Run, Port Allegany, Mount Jewett, and Kane. Although their original goal was to deliver all mattresses by May 2020, they weren’t too far off by completing distribution at the end of June; and it seemed more fitting to make the deliveries closer to their one-year anniversary. 

Mattresses Across McKean County started as a group project developed by members of the 2019 Leadership McKean Class. The group’s mission is simple: “Our mission is to provide mattresses to those in need in McKean County”. Applications were released in February 2020, with a deadline of April 15, 2020. The group received thirty-two applications, and each applicant’s request was fulfilled, without direct fundraising. 

After introducing the project last year, founding members spoke to organizations, clubs, rotaries, and churches throughout McKean County, which resulted in monetary donations that allowed the group to purchase the new mattresses for their first distribution. Between Four Walls in Bradford, PA was able to accept the group’s order and fulfill it rather quickly. In one year, the group expanded from its five founders: Tonia Hartzell - President, Michele McCann – Vice President, Jean Barnard – Secretary, Amy O’Neil – Treasurer, and Donnie Hayden – Vice Treasurer, to a full board of thirteen members. 

The remaining eight board members include the following: Mindi Brown, Barb Close, Tanya Gayley, Kristin Hawver, Carolee Learn, Jim Line, Ronda Skoken, and Dan Wertz. Mattresses Across McKean County is currently registered as a charitable organization in PA; however, they will be taking the steps to file for 501(c)(3) status sooner than anticipated. “While we know there is a need greater than what we can fill right now, each of us agreed to keep things at a manageable pace to ensure a sustainable and successful program,” said Tonia Hartzell, speaking on behalf of the group. “Our next step is to file for 501(c)(3) status, in order to apply for other funding that is available in our area, with the hopes of being able to provide new mattresses for every application we receive.” The group is planning to release an application next month for a potential distribution in late fall 2020. 

While it is uncertain if they will be able to fulfill each request for the next round, they will provide as many as they are able to. Letters will be sent to possible donors and plans for fundraising are underway. “The pandemic has magnified the needs of some families who identified mattresses as a need, that some of us may have taken for granted before the crisis,” said board member Dan Wertz. While times are difficult for many right now, the group will continue to seek community support, in order to provide safe and clean mattresses for individuals in need. Please reach out to the group at AcrossMcKean@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Reminder: the group does not accept used mattresses, only monetary donations to purchase new mattresses. 

Monetary donations can be mailed to: Mattresses Across McKean County, P.O. Box 985, Bradford, PA 16701. Visit the group’s Facebook page by searching “Mattresses Across McKean County” or @mckeancountymattresses – and don’t forget to share with your friends!