Sen. Casey Visits HELP Center In Bristol, Hears From Those Aided By It

The HELP Center in Bristol Borough offers a unique opportunity for those who need some assistance.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, visited the center off Commerce Circle to see the work done at the center, hear from staff, and listen to those helped by it.

Casey was shown the roughly 8,000-square-foot space that looks like a retail store combined with a warehouse. There were racks of clothes to be provided to those in need at no cost, personal hygiene items, food products, and even holiday decorations and gifts.

The United Way of Bucks County’s HELP Center, which was opened with the support of the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Penn Community Bank, and St. Mary Medical Center, helps residents of every single town in Bucks County and works with numerous partner agencies to provide aid at no cost to those who receive assistance.

Marissa Christie, president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County, gave Casey the tour and showed off the location and what it offers.

Casey was told by Sheri Ratner, who manages the HELP Center, how those arriving at the site are treated with dignity and respect. Their experience is designed more to be like a retail store that offers its merchandise for free.

To support the HELP Center, Casey was key in obtaining $200,000 in federal dollars to assist with the operation.

United Way of Bucks County CEO Marissa Christie speaking with Sen. Bob Casey.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

“We’re incredibly grateful for his generous support. As we continue to expand and serve even more neighbors, we’re going to need the support of community members, too. We are still heavily reliant on donations of time, products, and financial support to keep us running,” Christie said.

The HELP Center opened amid the turmoil of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visits to the HELP Center have increased as the cost of living and inflation have grown. Over the last year, the number of visits from “walk-in” shoppers has increased by 662 percent, according to the United Way of Bucks County.

The HELP Center in Birstol Borough.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Casey heard from two Bucks County moms who relayed their experiences shopping at the HELP Center, which stands for Healthy, Eating, and Living Partnership.

Desiree, a local mother, told the senator her career was derailed when her twins were born conjoined in 2018.

“I honestly couldn’t have gotten luckier by landing here when I needed things for the twins,” said Desiree. “There is not a single person here that doesn’t handle people who walk through the door with grace.”

She added: “I’ve seen people from all different walks of life walk in here … I do think the staff and the volunteers here are remarkably kindhearted and good people. I personally have no negative thoughts. When I come here, I get what I need and the staff and volunteers are super helpful all the time.”

Ashlyn, another local mother, praised the work done by the HELP Center.

Casey looked at how the center operates and watched volunteers load meal and goodie bags that will be distributed over the holiday season to Bucks County families in need.

“I want to thank you for what you do. Not only for Bristol and Lower Bucks County, but for the whole county and the region,” he said. “What you’re doing for your country – you’re doing god’s work at a time when we’ve never needed it more than we do now. God bless your work.”