The Stroller, Dec. 29, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your 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 shares wish list

The Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center, Tarentum, needs items for its clients who are fleeing domestic violence.

Items needed include new hair dryers, brushes, combs, deodorant, body wash, soap, bath towels, trash cans and kitchen towels. Household products being accepted include paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning products and laundry detergent. Items needed for children include new baby monitors, bottles, sippy cups, baby wipes, slippers, socks and pajamas.

Gift cards in $10 increments from Sheetz, GetGo, Giant Eagle, Community Market and Walmart are also welcome.

Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the HOPE Center administration building, 500 E. Eighth Ave., Tarentum. Call 724-224-1100 when you arrive.

Calendar

Apollo

Friday: 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: $30, includes a hot dog with kraut. 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

Today: Al-Anon will meet at 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10th Ave. The group offers help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics.

Buffalo Township

Monday: Zion United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit vitalant.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C664.

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

Tuesday: Harvest Church will offer a GriefShare class for those experiencing grief Tuesdays beginning Jan. 4 at the Allegheny North Campus, 1333 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Book fee: $20. Details and registration: 724-548-5643.

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.

Jan. 19: A trivia competition will be at 6 p.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Form a team of up to four members of family and friends. The winning team will receive a gift card to Dairy Queen. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg

Thursday: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St. Face masks and social distancing required.

New Kensington

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Saturday: Community Clothes Closet will be closed for the holidays. The Closet will reopen Jan. 3.

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 New Year’s holiday. The library will reopen Jan. 3 for normal hours. Details: 724-274-9729.

Jan. 5: Springdale Free Public Library will have an evening storytime and crafts from 6 to 7 p.m. for children of all ages at the library, 331 School St. Face masks and reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Summit Township

Jan. 23: Table reservations are being accepted for an antique and classic bicycle swap meet set for 8 a.m. to noon at Shindigs LLC Event Center, 705 Herman Road. Vendor set-up will begin at 6 a.m. Cost: $30. Details and reservations: Jeff Rapp,724-287-8048 or Howard Gordon, 724-205-8172.

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.

Vandergrift

Friday and Saturday: Vandergrift Public Library will be closed for the New Year’s holiday. Details: 724-568-2212.