While most elves are still perched on a shelf in the family home keeping an eye on children, some Bradford elves will come out Sunday to help area seniors celebrate their holidays.
The annual Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund senior bus trip and holiday party will kick-off around 5 p.m. when area seniors are picked up by buses, provided by the Area Transportation Authority (ATA) and Bradford Area School District.
ELF Fund board member and event coordinator Harrijane Hannon Moore said the ATA and Bradford Area School District buses will transport the seniors from area nursing homes, as well as residents from Emery Towers and Evergreen Elm to the holiday party that many look forward to all year.
Moore noted her hope that winter weather hold off before the party, as it makes it difficult for older people to get around and travel for the party.
Buses should arrive at the venue by approximately 6 p.m. at the Frame-Westerberg Commons building at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where patrons will disembark after viewing holiday decorations on houses along the way.
Santa Claus, played by Dick Williams, will greet guests as they leave the buses and are welcomed into the university.
“Mr. Williams has been a faithful Santa and volunteer for a good many years with this event,” Moore recounted.
Once inside, seated and comfortable guests will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies provided by the university.
“Generous volunteers, reliable transportation and an ever-gracious hosting site will make it a great evening,” Moore surmised before applauding the volunteers who never lose enthusiasm for the people who attend.
Not to mention the entertainment, which is being organized, produced and directed this year by John and Heather Kearns with the Bradford Little Theatre, according to Moore.
The “Christmas … From the Heart” presentation will be performed in the Mukaiyama University Room.
Helping with the production will be Kim Hallock. Daniel Nordin, the pianist from the first BLT From the Heart show held earlier in 2018, will provide keyboard accompaniment for the performance with Bob Swanson Jr. on guitar.
Performers in the show will be singing holiday classics, such as, Jingle Bell Rock, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night and many more Christmas favorites with vocal performances by Jackie Wolfe, Casey Langianese, Joe Lee, Eliana Lewis, Jennifer Bouquin, Leyna Easton and many others
The ELF Fund senior bus trip and holiday party, held two days after the ELF Fund’s gift distribution day, will be the final event of the 2018 holiday season for the organization.
Gift distribution will take place Friday at the former Goodwill building at 75 Forman St. Applicants are asked to come at their scheduled time to pick up presents.
