An interview series dedicated to celebrating the incredible work of nonprofit organizations across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Airs each Friday on WVIA Radio during NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered programs. Also available as an extended podcast.
Giving Back to the Community, Inc.
611 Cedar Avenue (https://www.google.com/maps/search/611+Cedar+Avenue+Scranton,+PA%C2%A0+18505?entry=gmail&source=g)
Scranton, PA 18505 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/611+Cedar+Avenue+Scranton,+PA%C2%A0+18505?entry=gmail&source=g)
Email: support@givingbacktothecommunityinc.org (mailto:support@givingbacktothecommunityinc.org)
erodriguez37124@gmail.com (mailto:erodriguez37124@gmail.com)
Guest: Elizabeth Rodriguez. Founder, Giving Back to the Community, Inc.
Mission: To strengthen community ties and ensure essential services reach everyone, regardless of race, religion or economic status--especially underserved and underrepresented audiences such as the growing Latino Community.
Giving Back to the Community, Inc. serves as a catalyst for fostering connections and empathy within our diverse Scranton community. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and dialogue to build a resilient community grounded
in shared values and mutual support.. By actively involving businesses and organizations in our initiatives, we aim to create impactful partnerships that connect with and support families. These collaborations enhance our outreach efforts,
support local economies, provide essential resources, and help us build a stronger, more engaged community where everyone can thrive.
Social Media Outlets: Instagram/ Facebook
16 Oct 2026
The Open Table Outreach
The Open Table Outreach
P.O. Box 563
New Milford, PA 18834
Email: theopentableoutreach.org (http://theopentableoutreach.org/)
Phone: (607) 232-9300 (tel:(607)%20232-9300)
Hours of Operation: The Open Table Outreach does not have standard hours of operation because it is a mobile, volunteer-run supply and demand network.
Guest: Shelley Rodruguez, founder, The Open Table Foundation
Mission: Everyone deserves dignity, hope, and compassion. The Open Table Outreach provides backpacks filled with essential items to people experiencing
homelessness, reminding every person they are seen, valued and never forgotten.
Social Media Platforms: Facebook/ Instagram/ X (Twitter)/ Tik Tok
Current Outreach Needs for the Winter Weather:
The Open Table Outreach runs a dedicated winter-warmth initiative for those experiencing homelessness and severe weather conditions across the Wilkes-Barre Scranton area.
Items needed for backpacks include: Coast, Hats, Gloves, New warm socks.
Shelter Protection: Blankets, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents and tarps.
Warmth and Safety Extras: Hand and foot warmers, emergency blankets, personal hygiene supplies.
You can also support the winter drive by:
--Shopping via the Walmart Winter Backpack Registry
--Shipping Physical Donations to: P.O. Box 563, New Milford, PA 18834
--Sponsor a Backpack through a monetary donation via The Open Table Outreach Facebook page
Backpack mobile distribution sites can be found on the organization's Facebook page.
Distribution on a first-come, first-served basis.
9 Oct 2026
United NEPA Alliance (UNA)
United NEPA Alliance (UNA)
504 Donnelly Street (https://www.google.com/maps/search/504+Donnelly+Street+Duryea,+PA%C2%A0+18642?entry=gmail&source=g)
Duryea, PA 18642 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/504+Donnelly+Street+Duryea,+PA%C2%A0+18642?entry=gmail&source=g)
Phone: (570)362-6796 (tel:(570)%20362-6796)
Email: unacorp.org (http://unacorp.org/)
unitednepaalliance@gmail.com (mailto:unitednepaalliance@gmail.com)
mvelez@teccentrowb.org (mailto:mvelez@teccentrowb.org)
Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Guest: Maryann Velez, Founder/President of United NEPA Alliance.
Mission: United NEPA Alliance is a non-profit organization focused on uniting the various communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to effect enduring change through allyship and accountability. We believe in freedom, social equity,
and the power of the people.
We honor the process of education, and commit ourselves to ceaseless learning. Banding together with local and national groups, UNA functions as a local space for progress and organization. When we come together, we do so as a force of healing.
Who We Are: United NEPA Alliance is a community driven organization committed to breaking the holds of oppression. We align ourselves with those committed to fighting against oppression.
Social Media Platforms: Facebook/ X (Twitter)/ Instagram
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