Alle-Kiski Valley gyms work out to raise more than $4,000 for Toys for Tots

Alle-Kiski Valley residents broke a sweat to raise money for less fortunate children this holiday season.

Members of the Anytime Fitness locations in Allegheny Township and Cheswick participated in a Lift-a-Thon to raise money for Toys for Tots, a Marine Corps program that collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children at Christmas.

Members had sponsors donate money based on how many reps they did on a bench press, or how much distance they were able to cover on a rowing machine, among other activities. The event took place from Nov. 18 through Nov. 20.

In all, the two clubs raised more than $4,000, which will be used to buy toys for the organization at Target in Harmar on Saturday .

“It was our members and staff that obviously did all the work,” said Matthew McCool, franchise owner for both gym locations. “We’re obviously extremely proud that everybody came together for such a great cause. Everybody worked hard to get donors and participate in the Lift-a-Thon. The money that was raised has exceeded our expectations.”

The gyms have always collected toys for Toys for Tots, but wanted to combine their efforts and do a Lift-a-Thon fundraiser for the organization this year, McCool said. They wanted to do something their members could actively participate in as opposed to just putting toys in a box at the gym.

The gyms both still have toy boxes to collect toys, McCool said.

“We thought it would be a great idea to actually go with the people that raised the money and shop for the toys, make it an event, so that everybody could participate in the process,” McCool said. “We thought maybe doing something a little bit more involved and active might help increase the donations, and it did.”

Gym members and officials with Toys for Tots will participate in the shopping spree. People who wish to sign-up to participate can do so through Saturday.

To contact the Cheswick location, call 724-826-5466.

To contact the Allegheny Township location, call 724-236-0216.