This holiday season, the Bethlehem Parking Authority is once again taking its community role beyond parking. In partnership with several local organizations, the BPA is helping ensure that people across the Lehigh Valley can enjoy a brighter and more hopeful season.

Throughout November, the Bethlehem Parking Authority Offices (85 W. North St.) and Edge Restaurant (74 W. Broad St. Suite #220) will serve as drop-off locations for a community food drive benefiting New Bethany. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable items such as rice, canned meats and vegetables, beans, shelf-stable milk, pasta, cereal and peanut butter.

As a thank-you, donors will receive four hours of free parking at any of these participating BPA garages – North Street, South New Street or Polk Street.

“The holidays are a time for connection and compassion,” said Tiffany Wells, Deputy Director of the Bethlehem Parking Authority. “We wanted to make it easier for people to give back. Small gestures, a few cans of food or a toy for a child, can go a long way toward lifting spirits in our community.”

The BPA is also collecting toys for two local drives: one supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, and another benefiting the Northeast Community Center. Donations of new, unwrapped toys or gift cards can be dropped off at BPA Headquarters through Dec. 19.

Popular donation items include dolls, toy cars, board games, craft kits, LEGOS, learning toys and stuffed animals. Toy donors will also receive two hours of free parking at the participating garages.

“We’re known as the Christmas City, but what truly defines us are the people who care for one another,” added Wells. “Every act of generosity strengthens that sense of community.”

In addition to the Bethlehem Parking Authority Offices, donations can also be made during:

Bethlehem Chamber’s Holiday Cocktail Crawl – Nov. 22, noon to 5 p.m.

SouthSide Arts District’s ‘Naughty or Nice’ Cocktail Crawl – Dec. 6 and 13, noon to 4 p.m.

Each event offers another opportunity to contribute, and to spread some genuine holiday goodwill throughout the region.

The BPA welcomes all residents, visitors, and downtown workers to take part. Whether it’s a bag of food or a toy for a child, every contribution helps make the season a little brighter for families across the Lehigh Valley.

Bethlehem Parking Authority, 85 W. North St., 610-865-7123, info@bethpark.org, bethpark.org.

Donations:

BPA Offices: Monday–Friday, 85 W. North Street, Bethlehem

 Edge Restaurant: 74 W. Broad St. Suite #220, Bethlehem

 During the listed community events