Penn -Trafford briefs: Benefit raises $4,000 for cancer research, more

Penn Middle School students raise $4K for families in need

A group of five Penn Middle School eighth graders raised more than $4,000 to provide 10 area families with new socks, underwear and pajamas for the recent holiday season.

The efforts were part of a confirmation project at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Harrison City.

The students — Corynn VanDrak, Annabelle Aquino, Anna Coy, Hanna Weishaar and Olivia Weishaar — also were able to provide gifts for the children as well as $100 Giant Eagle gift cards for each family.

“This experience proved to us how giving is far better than receiving,” said Hanna Weishaar. Her twin sister, Olivia, added, “It really showed us the true spirit of Christmas.”

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Holiday gathering raises money for cancer research

A Penn-Trafford High School media class and four seniors joined efforts as part of a group project with a “Here Comes Santa” party last month and raised almost $4,000 for Carson’s Hope Foundation, a Harrison City nonprofit that supports families and pediatric cancer research.

The Media Center interns joined Taylor Jones, Malia Kearns, Kenna Schropp and Juliana Sgambati to host the party, which served about 250 students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.

The youngsters joined high school student volunteers to complete crafts such as glass ornaments and enjoyed cookies donated by the high school’s coffee shop, Coffee for a Cause.

They also played holiday games and challenged members of the high school Esports team at Nintendo Switch.

The captains of Penn-Trafford’s state championship football team signed autographs and posed for photos with the students.

There were various fundraisers, including pictures with Santa, a basket raffle and a concession stand.

Level Green women plan meeting

A representative from a company selling products ranging from home cleaning and laundry to supplements, personal care and beauty and essential oils will speak at the Community Women’s Club of Level Green meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Level Green Lion’s Club, Community Building, 123 Murrysville Road.

Mary Simbari, s representative of Melaleuca Inc. of Idaho Falls, Idaho, will discuss health and wellness. Women 21 and older are welcome.

The nonprofit organization, which works to improve civic and cultural endeavors in the community, meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month from September through May.