Good morning, Reading.

Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank distributed 12.5 million pounds of food valued at over $22 million in FY2026, a 21.8% increase from last year, and expanded its Weekender and School Pantry Programs in Berks & Schuylkill Counties through over 350 partner agencies.

A blood drive is honoring fallen Central Berks Regional police Officer Kristen Yeager.

It runs until Aug. 7 and resumes Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Life Plasma Blood Centers, 223 Shoemaker Road, Suite 171D in Pottstown, with a memorial service scheduled for Aug. 12 at noon.

Children and families from the Reading Gurukulam Foundation recently cleaned Stonecliffe Recreation Area in Reading to promote teamwork, respect for the environment, and community service (part of their mission to build character).

This summer, regional events offer diverse local entertainment - from the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival in Perkiomenville on Friday and Saturday to classic rock shows and family picnics in Reading and others.

Residents can enjoy concerts, picnics and cultural celebrations at local venues like Santander Arena and Hibernia County Park.

A new bookstore opened today on Penn Avenue in West Reading.

It offers horror, mystery and fantasy books on dark shelves — giving local readers a fun place to explore.

A free program showcasing Revolutionary and Civil War battle flags will take place on August 8 at the POSofA meeting hall in Mohrsville — the event is hosted by the Patriotic Order Sons of America and historian Steve Madenford and will include light snacks as part of America’s 250th Birthday celebration.

Organizers announced Friday that a new management organization called Berks Jazz Fest will take over after the Berks Arts Council ended operations, ensuring the festival continues its legacy with the 36th annual event scheduled from April 1 to 11 in Berks County.

Mayor Eddie Morán and Rep. Manny Guzman will host Reading’s fifth annual Back-to-School Giveaway on Wednesday, Aug.

19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 644 Penn St’s courtyard where families can receive free school supplies, food, hairstyling, and vision screenings, with parking available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Berks County was chosen for a pilot program to support adults 55 & older after state officials reported nearly 600 older adults died from overdoses last year, with many cases involving prescription opioids.

The program will soon work to reduce opioid risks for local seniors.

Reading Women's Rugby Football Club seeks new players for the fall season.

The club invites interested residents from Berks County (ages 18 to 50) to attend an annual meeting on Wednesday night in Exeter Township for details.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.