The Stroller, Dec. 9, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Is your church or organization going to serve free takeout Christmas dinners? Send information to The Stroller at vndnews@tribweb.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

HOPE Center seeks support for program

The HOPE Center is seeking support for its annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program to benefit HOPE Center families.

This program is recommended for individuals, families, community groups, businesses, churches, schools, or anyone looking to do something for those in need and give back to their community and is easy, convenient, and designed to meet any budget. Items can be returned to the HOPE Center or arrangements can be made for pick up.

If you are interested in “adopting a family” to buy Christmas items for this year, contact Shelley at 724-224-1100 or shelleyr@akhopecenter.org to request a family size and wish list.

Festival of Trees raffle supports projects

Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its annual Festival of Trees raffle to benefit patient care projects at the hospital.

Each hospital department decorates a tree to be raffled off. Trees are in the hospital lobby and photos are posted online at AVHAuxFOT.givesmart.com. This year’s themes include An Olde Fashioned Christmas, Christmas Under the Pharma-sea, Grinch, Lucky Lotto, Candy Cane, Over the River and Through the Woods, Star Trek and This is Us.

Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5 or 25 for $10 and may be purchased at AVHAuxFOT.givesmart.com through Dec. 18. Winners receive a fully decorated tree. The drawing will be Dec. 18.

Food, clothing donations being accepted in Tarentum

Donations for the clothing and food ministries at Central Presbyterian Church in Tarentum are being accepted through the end of the month at Diamond Antiques and Gifts, 311 E Sixth Ave., Tarentum.

Suggested items include children’s gloves, scarves and hats and non-perishable food. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Prospect Cemetery offers tour booklets

Prospect Cemetery in Brackenridge is selling copies of the 40-page ghost tour scripts with photos and history of the cemetery.

Booklets are $10. For details and to purchase a booklet, call 724-224-4552 or 724-612-0076.

Tarentum Eagles Auxiliary selling 2021 lottery calendars

Tarentum Eagles Auxiliary is conducting a 2021 lottery calendar fundraiser.

Tickets are $25 for two numbers. For tickets and details, call 724-859-0344 and leave a message. Proceeds will benefit community charities.

Vandergrift VFW collecting donations for veterans’ shelter

Vandergrift Veterans of Foreign Wars is collecting food and small gifts to be donated to the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center in Sugarcreek Township, Armstrong County.

The shelter offers housing, therapy and occupational rehabilitation for homeless veterans and relies solely on donations.

A drop-off box is located behind the outer doors of the VFW, 141-143 Sumner Ave.

Calendar

Cheswick

Today: Cheswick Council will conduct the agenda meeting at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Comments should be emailed to boroughsecretary@cheswick.us. Access information: Cheswick.us

East Deer

Thursday: East Deer Commissioners will meet at 7:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Citizen comments should be sent to eastdeermanager@outlook.com by 2 p.m. Thursday. Details: 724-224-3434

Harrison

Today: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Senior boxes are now being distributed Wednesdays instead of Thursdays. Those who are not yet registered should come after 3 p.m. Proof of income is no longer required. Donations: avaoc.org/donate/financial-support/

Tuesday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a virtual performance of the Who Knew? program, “Ethnic Holiday Traditions,” at 6 p.m. online. Registration required. Registration: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org

Indiana Township

Today: Indiana Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 3710 Saxonburg Blvd.

Kiski Township

Dec. 31: Kiski Township Volunteer Fire Company is selling 2021 lottery calendars to benefit the company building fund. Cost: $30. Details: 724-478-4210

Leechburg

Thursdays: 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: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go dinners from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s dinner is sponsored by an anonymous donor. Those picking up meals are reminded to observe social distancing while they wait in line. There will be no dinners Dec. 24 or 31.

Monday: New Kensington Council rescheduled the Dec. 7 regular meeting to be at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 online at Zoom.us. Details: 724-337-4523

Tarentum 

Today: Tarentum Elks will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Wednesdays: BridgePoint Church, 400 E. Ninth Ave., will host a parent-led learning pod from 1 to 4 p.m. in the church hall located on the lower level. Free high-speed internet, meals and access to the church children’s library will be provided. Use the Corbet Street entrance.

Upper Burrell

Dec. 19: The Upper Burrell Senior Citizen Holiday Drive-thru event for township residents will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the township building. Registration required by Thursday. Registration: 724-337-8004

Vandergrift 

Dec. 16: A Holly Jolly Holiday basket raffle will take place through Dec. 16 to benefit Vandergrift Public Library. The prize will include a gift certificate for a whole fresh turkey from Pounds Turkey Farm in Allegheny Township, gift cards from Oakmont Bakery and Shop N’ Save, Sweetlane Chocolate, holiday drink ware and wine, holiday décor and more. Cost: $5; or three for $10. Ticket sales close at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 and the drawing will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 16 on Facebook. Tickets: stop in at the library, 128C. Washington Ave., or visit Venmo online.

Through Dec. 30: Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave., is holding a holiday book sale. Cost: $3 per bag; used puzzles and audio books, $1. Details: 724-568-2212

Washington Township

Thursday: Washington Township Supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. at the township building, 285 Pine Run Road. Details: 724-727-3515

West Leechburg

Today: West Leechburg Council will conduct the regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the borough building, 1015 Plazak St.