Celebrate 570Day: Show Support for NE Pennsylvania’s Nonprofits

Northeast Pennsylvania is celebrating a notable milestone today as 570Day marks its sixth anniversary. This event, initiated by the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre, embraces the spirit of community involvement and local pride.

“We’re really kind of pushing supporting your favorite nonprofits, talking about what nonprofits you show up for, how you show up within your community, get involved, and you know how you’ve seen this place really transform over the last six years because of people doing great work,” said Rachael Stark, a member of the 570Day committee.

The 570Day initiative was introduced in 2020, during a time when many felt isolated due to the pandemic. It encourages locals to appreciate the unique aspects of their region, all represented by the 570 area code.

“It started in Covid when people were feeling downtrodden,” Stark explained. “This was a way to say, ‘Hey, look at everything that’s right here in your backyard, all of the cool things that you could do’, you don’t have to go to Europe, you don’t have to go out to Colorado. There is so much right here that we could love.”

Last year, Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown declared the day a holiday in the city.

On this day, residents are urged to share their favorite aspects of Northeast Pennsylvania on social media, using the hashtag “#570Day.”

Stark emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and enjoying the area’s natural beauty, noting, “But [it’s] also a push to get people to go out and support local hike their favorite trails, dine at their favorite restaurants, go to their favorite cafes, all of those things that, again, make the 570 special.”

570Day serves as a reminder of the region’s positive attributes and encourages people to focus on community improvement.

“And making people remember why they love this place and why we want to be here and continue to make it better,” Stark said.

The ‘570’

Northeast Pennsylvania’s primary area code, 570, has a rich history. Before 1997, the state was divided into only four area codes, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. With the widespread use of cell phones, 570 was introduced.

The 570 area code spans multiple counties including Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and others, with an overlay area code of 272. Stark highlighted the broad reach of the area code, stating, “So really trying to expand and make sure that people know that the 570, is … not just Luzerne and Lackawanna. We want everybody to be involved.”

In recent years, the 570Day committee has expanded to include representatives from Schuylkill, Montour, and Columbia counties, and the Poconos.

Stark noted the deep connection locals have with the 570 area code, saying, “Even though we can remember a time that it was 717, and of course, we’ve got now people coming to our area who are getting that 272 area code … ‘the 570’ is still really like synonymous with this area.”