The Stroller, Dec. 16, 2019: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

HOPE Center seeking clothing donations

The Alle-Kiski HOPE Center is seeking donations of clothing and personal items for the clients that it serves.

Items most needed include new pajamas, slippers, socks, underwear for all sizes and genders, full-size shampoo and body wash, hair brushes, combs and Chapstick.

Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the center, 500 E. Eighth Ave., Tarentum. For details and alternate arrangements, call 724-224-1100.

Final Toys for Tots sign-up scheduled

Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots served by the Allegheny Valley Detachment will have one last sign-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Springdale Marine Corps League Hall, 838 Pittsburgh St., for children 12 and younger.

The Allegheny Valley Detachment serves children in northeastern Allegheny, western Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.

Parents can go to their assistance webpage and look under, “My Compass Account,” and print out the benefit page. Bring a valid form of photo identification and the printed sheet. Otherwise parents must bring ID, verified proof of public assistance; proof of residency, including recent water/gas or electric bill; proof of legal guardianship if other than parent; and children’s medical cards and birth certificates or Social Security cards — two forms with one showing birth date.

The person signing up a child must provide valid identification and will be the only one authorized to pick up toys. Temporary change of address cards will not be accepted.

Please note: You may sign up with only one program/organization for toys. Toys for Tots gives toys to other programs and cross references children’s names so it can serve as many families as possible.

To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Toys for Tots to Allegheny Valley MCL 825, 838 Pittsburgh St., Springdale PA 15144.

Free luncheon planned in New Kensington

Allegheny Valley Church of God, 216 Catalpa St., New Kensington, will host a free open door luncheon at noon Wednesday.

Chicken and dumplings and more will be served as long as the food lasts. For details, call 724-335-0994.

Small Town Christmas celebration scheduled Wednesday

The second annual Small Town Christmas will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday on Park Avenue in the Sheldon Park neighborhood of Harrison Township.

There will light up night festivities, performances, Christmas caroling, food, raffles and an opportunity to visit with Santa.

To make a donation for the event, mail a check made out to Allegheny Family Network with HPN Christmas Event in the memo line to Highlands Partnership Network, 1600 Pacific Ave., Suite 10, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. For details, call Autumn at 724-393-2356.

Calendar

Apollo

Dec. 31: A New Year’s Eve bingo will be at 7 p.m. at Apollo Hose Co. No. 2, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Cost: $25, includes one packet and a ticket for a free hot dog. Additional packets, jackpots and instant tickets will be sold. Tickets: 724-549-1601 or at the regular Wednesday bingo

Brackenridge

Wednesday: Al-Anon and Alateen, programs for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 8 p.m. in Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10th Ave. Details: 800-628-8920

Dec. 31: The American Legion will host a New Years Eve party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the post, 845 First Ave. Entertainment will be by the Woo Hoo Band. Cost: $15; $25 per couple, includes food, champagne and favors. Cash bar. Tickets: 724-224-8444

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Cash only. Clothing donations welcome. Details: 724-295-2476

Leechburg

Wednesday: The genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will not meet on Wednesday. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 8, weather permitting. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154

Oakmont

Monday: Oakmont Historical Society will host a free program, “Christmas In Oakmont” at 6:30 p.m. at Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Details: Gary, oakmonthistory@gmail.com

Information for The Stroller may be dropped off or mailed at least a week in advance to: The Stroller, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084, email vndnews@tribweb.com or fax 724-226-4677.