Tarentum jeweler, its customers, borough employees donate $12,630 to food bank

The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches’ food bank will be able to help more families during the covid-19 pandemic thanks to contributions from Tarentum workers and a borough jewelry store.

Seita Jewelers was able to raise $11,500, and borough workers chipped in about $1,130 for a total donation of $12,630. It was given to the association on Wednesday.

“I am completely blown away by the generosity of this community,” said Karen Snair, association executive director. “I’ve been associated with AVAC for over 30 years, and we’ve had our ups and downs. Every time we’re in the down, this community steps up. It’s just amazing to me. I’m truly humbled by the outreach.”

Jewelery store co-owner Curt Marino said his business issued a challenge via its Facebook page for community members to contribute to the food bank. Seita would match contributions throughout April up to $5,000.

More than 30 people gave a total of $6,500 as of Wednesday.

People can still donate Thursday through Seita’s social media page.

“There are a lot of people out of work,” Marino said. “A lot of people are in need of food, and we’re so blessed to be able to come together with the community and help out.”

Tarentum Public Works Director Mark Anuszek said the borough’s 25-plus employees each donated an hour of their salary.

He said the idea sprang from discussions with his wife as they were sitting home Easter Sunday, and it was inspired by employees at Sheetz in Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Sheetz gave employees a $3 per hour boost during the pandemic. A manager there rallied employees to donate some of their pay. Many bought food for the food bank.

“We can do what we can do,” Anuszek said. “Everybody gave positive vibes (when I told them of the idea). I was really proud of everybody that donated from Tarentum.”

An email went out to employees asking them to pitch in. They signed the email and submitted it with their time card to authorize the one-hour deduction.

How to help, get help

Families in need can get food from the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches’ food bank from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays at 1913 Freeport Road in Harrison.

“Right now, we are experiencing a higher number of households that need food,” Snair said. “We’re hoping that this (donation) is going to be enough to get us through the crunch of this crisis.”

Snair said they usually serve about 75 families a week. That figure jumped to 100 to 150 per week.

People do not need to be from Tarentum to receive food, and other registration requirements have been suspended as a result of the covid-19 crisis.

A bulk of the food given comes from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

AVAC is in need of paper products, diapers, baby food and formula as well as monetary donations.

People can drop off donations Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. Call 724-226-0606, ext. 10, for more information on how to help.