Tarentum Area Lions Club foots the bill for paving project at Harrison church association

Pushing heavy carts full of food across gravel and potholes hasn’t been easy for volunteers at the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches in Harrison.

The nonprofit serves nearly 500 families twice a month with produce, meat and dairy products. And, the group sees more than 17,000 people at the office along Freeport Road for services that include utility assistance and The Sparrow’s Nest free store.

“For years, the parking lot has been in need of repair,” volunteer Jody Shumaker said of the property across from the Harrison Hi-Rise.

“Its condition had made it very hard for the volunteer workers at the food bank to do their job effectively and safely. It also made it very hard for those who are struggling physically, maybe in a wheelchair, to seek help.”

Shumaker, also a member of the Tarentum Area Lions Club, decided to appeal to the service group to cover the cost of paving.

As she saw it, the parking lot project was “doing the most good” for the most people.

The idea was approved and work was done by Ron Gillette in Harrison.

The project cost was not revealed.

Karen Snair, association executive director, called it an amazing gift and one that will relieve burden from her group.

“It’s so difficult to do all we need to do each week to keep the food bank running smoothly,” Snair said. “We continue to operate as a drive-thru service, as requested by the participants, so it’s been very difficult.

“The Lions have supported AVAC in various ways over many years, but this is really special.”

Snair said the association board weighed the project each year but hasn’t had the funding to cover it.

“This gift will allow us the ability to continue to serve many in the Valley without taking a toll on the dedicated volunteers who show up week after week to make it happen,” she said.

Shumaker said the project fits with the Lions’ mission of helping the community.

“The volunteers work tirelessly each week lifting, lugging, pushing and pulling all with a smile on their face and faith in their hearts,” she said.

“They want to do the most good for as many people as possible.”