Beating the Heat Together: OHAAT's 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Event

On July 18th, OHAAT gathered to celebrate the volunteers who make the Beds for Kids program possible. The heat, humidity, and poor air quality made for a warm afternoon in the warehouse, but our volunteers showed up anyway, because that's exactly the kind of dedication that gets bed packages delivered to kids across our five-county region, rain or shine (or, in this case, humidity).

A Celebration Worth Sweating For

We gathered to share food, raffle prizes, and, most importantly, genuine gratitude for the hours, miles, and muscle our volunteers give to the Beds for Kids program every year. The sense of community in the room was a great reminder of why this work matters.

Congratulations to Our Award Winners

We want to once more celebrate volunteers Peter Bryant, Jean McLaughlin, and Austin Bielefeldt, recognized for their contributions to the Beds for Kids program. Thank you for everything you do — your commitment sets an example for our whole volunteer community.

Hands-On Fun for a Good Cause

While enjoying water ice generously donated by the Rita’s of Huntingdon Valley, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make no-sew pillows and blankets, along with handwritten cards, all destined for future bedtime bags. There was also plenty of lighthearted fun, with bracelet-making, yard games running throughout the event and a crowd-favorite 'Guess the Stuffie' contest, where guests tried their luck estimating how many small stuffed animals were packed into a container.

A Special Thank You to Senator Farry

We were honored to have Senator Farry stop by with his kids to learn about the Beds for Kids program and join the celebration. It meant a great deal to have his support and to see his family take part alongside our volunteers.

Thank you again to everyone who came out for this event. Volunteers like you are the reason the Beds for Kids program continues to reach children across the Greater Philadelphia region who need a safe, comfortable place to sleep. We couldn't do it without you.