The Stroller, Dec. 22, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your holiday events, club meetings and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

HOPE Center collecting donations for its SAF-T kennel

The Alle-Kiski HOPE Center offers a Sheltering Animals and Families Together (SAF-T) Kennel to victims of domestic violence who are fleeing abuse with their pets.

The kennel allows families to bring their pets with them safely to an on-site kennel during their shelter stay. Supplies needed include small bowls for cats and dogs, canned cat and kitten food, dry kitten food, small litter boxes, clumping litter, small cat toys, small cat beds, small to medium cat carriers, dog leashes, small to medium dog beds, flea and tick control for cats and dogs and gift cards for PetSmart and Petco. All items should be new.

If you are ordering online, request delivery to 500 E. 8th Ave., Tarentum PA 15084. Supplies can also be brought from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For details, call 724-224-1100.

Knead Community Café announces holiday break

Knead Community Café in New Kensington will be closed Friday through Jan. 3 for the holidays.

The café will reopen Jan 4 for regular service.

Calendar

Apollo

Dec. 31: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host a New Year’s Eve bingo at 8 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will be open with a full menu. There will be four Early Bird games, 17 regular games, four specials and a must-go jackpot that will pay $500. Cost: $25, includes a hot dog with kraut, if purchased today; after today, $30. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Jan. 8: A vendor fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center at St. James Parish, 109 Owens View Ave. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table; without electricity, $15. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Brackenridge

Thursday: A replenishment blood drive for Terry Spale will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10^th Ave. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or Dawn Spale at 724-224-2224 or dspale@alleghenyhealth.com or visit vitalant.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code Z0021156.

Freeport

Today: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Cash only. No donations are being accepted at this time. Details: 724-295-3095.

Harrison

Today: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required. Clean fall and winter clothing in all sizes is needed. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Today: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Jan. 6: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer an internet literacy class at 6 p.m. in-person at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Online access via Zoom.us also available. Learn how to stay safe while browsing the web, avoid scams and how anti-virus programs protect your devices. Reservations required. Reservations: visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg  

Today: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. There will be no session Dec. 29. Details: 724-236-0080.

New Kensington 

Jan. 8: A spaghetti dinner to benefit lung cancer patient Chris Ploski and his wife Emily will be at the Eagles, 2134 Freeport Road. Gift basket donations are being accepted for a silent auction. Details: Davis, 412-378-6296 or the Eagles, 724-335-7811.

Springdale

Friday through Monday: Springdale Free Public Library will be closed for the Christmas holidays. The library will reopen Dec. 28 for normal hours. Details: 724-274-9729.

Dec. 28: The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be, “Meet You In Hell,” by Les Standiford. Copies are available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: The Elks will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen is open to the public from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Menu: elks644.org/elks-kitchen-1. Orders: 724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.

Upper Burrell  

Friday: Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Company and Vigilant Hose Company of Port Vue are sponsoring a $15,000 cash raffle. Winning number will be the Dec. 24 Pa. Lottery Pick 4 number. Cost: $20 for eight numbers. Tickets: send a private message on the company Facebook page.

Vandergrift

Thursday through Sunday: Vandergrift Public Library will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and closed for the holiday Friday through Sunday.

Dec. 28: Vandergrift Public Library will host a free family paint night, “Canvas & Cocoa” at 6 p.m. at the library. Youth and their adults can choose one of four design options to paint. Toddler freestyle will be available. Hot cocoa and light snacks will be available. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.