Police officers and community members in the Bradford area are invited to a Police Appreciation Day from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in the parking lot next to “A Whole Latte Love Cafe,” 34 South Ave.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The cafe is about community and relationships. That’s the whole goal of this,” said the Rev. Matthew Blake, a pastor in Bradford who came up with the idea for the non-profit coffee shop, which opened this past spring.

“We really appreciate what they do,” he said of local law enforcement officials. With recent negative national press about police, he wanted to give the community a chance to show its support.

“I’m hoping this will be a chance to get (police officers) to interact with the community,” said Blake.

Among the honorees will be officers from Bradford City, Bradford Township, Foster Township and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

In addition to “a light atmosphere,” the event will offer food such as hamburgers, hot dogs and cold salads, as well as live music. Performing will be “Chamber,” who will play a mix of contemporary Christian music and secular music from the 1970s and later. There will be a break in the music long enough for the attending officers to be recognized.

The event is sponsored by United Methodist Churches of the Bradford area and local businesses.

Blake said donations are still being accepted for the event, which can be made by calling him at (814) 363-9448 or visiting him at “A Whole Latte Love Cafe.”