The Stroller, Nov. 11, 2023: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Operation Christmas Child accepting donations

Several local churches are participating in Operation Christmas Child that collects shoe boxes full of school supplies, personal care items and toys to be sent to children across the globe.

Anyone is welcome to pack a shoe box. For a step-by-step guide visit tinyurl.com/3889pypv.

Boxes will be collected Monday through Nov. 20 at Harvest Baptist Church in Harrison, Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell, Apollo Free Methodist Church, Apollo; and Zion United Methodist Church in Buffalo Township.

For a schedule of drop-off times, visit tinyurl.com/2jmmpuuy.

Marine Corps League Toys for Tots toy drive to begin

Allegheny Valley Regional Police will collect new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 8 for donation to the Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League Toys for Tots campaign.

Toys and monetary donations can be dropped off at the Springdale Township, Cheswick and East Deer municipal buildings. Monetary donations can be sent to Allegheny Valley Regional Police, Attn: Toys for Tots, 100 Plate Drive., P.O. Box 177, Harwick PA 15049. For questions, call 724-274-2843, ext. 3823, or email d.vanwhy@avrpd.com.

Religion Digest

Leechburg

Mondays: First Evangelical Lutheran Church is sponsoring a weekly GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one at 6 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 11 in the church social hall, 358 Main St. Participants can join at any session of the program. A special session for surviving the holidays will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the church. Details and registration: 724-845-7518 or visit GriefShare.org.

Tarentum

Sunday: BridgePoint Church will have a worship service at 10 a.m. at the church, 400 E. Ninth Ave. A fellowship dinner will be afterward. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to share. Details: 724-671-7580.

Sunday: First Baptist Church, 410 E. Third Ave., will have a Family and Friends Reunion at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Lunch will be served afterward.

Calendar

Apollo

Nov. 17 and 18: Apollo United Presbyterian Church is accepting reservations for a Christmas tea planned at the church. There will be a craft show at 10:30 a.m. each day, entertainment at 11:30 a.m. followed by the luncheon, prizes and basket raffle. Cost: $17 and prepaid reservations are required. Reservations: 724-478-4807.

Arnold

Today: There will be a fellowship hour at 7 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Details: 878-847-5646.

Avonmore

Today: Avonmore Center for Active Adults will host a bingo fundraiser at the center, 458 Railroad Ave. Cost: $20, if purchased by Friday; will be $25 at the door. Packets must be picked up by 12:30 p.m. and early birds start at 12:45 p.m. Details: 724-697-4014.

Brackenridge

Today: The 56 East Band will entertain from 3 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Public welcome.

Cheswick

Monday: Springdale High School Alumni Association will meet at 7 p.m. in Cheswick Presbyterian Church, 1401 Pittsburgh St. Vice president, secretary and steering committee members will be elected. New members welcome. Details: Mike, 724-275-7566.

East Vandergrift

Dec. 6: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a St. Nicholas Day raffle. Winning numbers will be the first drawn Pennsylvania Daily Pick 3 numbers at noon and 7 p.m. on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6. Winners will each receive $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to Keystone Beverage in Vandergrift. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: Patricia, 724-568-3409, in the parish office and after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Harrison 

Today: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 926 Painter Ave., and at Sheldon Park, both in Natrona Heights. Recipients must drive up and remain in their vehicles. First-time recipients must provide their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

Today: A spaghetti dinner will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Menu: spaghetti, salad, roll and dessert. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $10; children, $5; free for veterans and first responders. The band Americana will be featured from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and there will be a cash bar and all-day 50-50.

Sunday: The Knights of Columbus will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the council home, 28 Garfield St., Natrona. Cost: $7; younger than 6, $4.

Dec. 5: Community Library of Allegheny Valley is accepting orders for a pasta sale through Dec. 5 online and at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Varieties include shapes such as animals, sports and more. Details: tinyurl.com/3saub7e4.

Dec. 15: Tickets are on sale for a holiday basket raffle to benefit Community Library of Allegheny Valley. Cost: $2 each; or three for $5. The drawing will be Dec. 15. Details: 724-226-3491.

Leechburg   

Today: Leechburg Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St. There will be a silent auction. Proceeds will be donated to Lower Kiski Ambulance Service and help to fund Rotary scholarships. Tickets: visit Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market or Debbie’s Hair Salon, both of Leechburg, or at the door.

Saturdays: Leechburg Museum is closed for the winter months. To arrange a private tour, email lamahs@windstream.net or call 724-845-8914 and leave a message.

Monday: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Nov. 18: A turkey bingo will be hosted by Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company at 6 p.m. at the firehall. Doors open at 4 p.m. and early bird games will begin at 5:30. Cost: $35 in advance; will be $40 at the door; includes packet for 20 $100 games, four $250 specials and a light meal. There will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot game. Tickets: Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Dec. 9 and 10: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting space applications for a Christmas craft and vendor show at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $50 for both days; or $30 per day, includes a table and two chairs. Applications and more information: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

Today: Westmoreland County Marines Detachment is selling raffle tickets to benefit its Christmas Groceries for Veterans Families in Need program. The winning number from the Pennsylvania Lottery afternoon three-digit drawing will receive a $500 gift card to Community Market and the winner of the evening three-digit drawing will get a $1,000 gift card to Community Market. Cost: $10, for two numbers. Tickets: waltersusmc@comcast.net.

Thursday: Peoples Library will offer an online talk with U.S. Poet Laureate and winner of the 2022 Academy of American Poets Leadership Award Joy Harjo at 4 p.m. Registration required. Registration: libraryc.org/peopleslibrary.

Today : Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley Cash Bash will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will be at 5 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door. There will be a basket raffle, snacks, cash bar and 50/50. Tickets: animalprotectors.net.

Today: A family craft time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Today: The ClothesLine Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Clothing, shoes and purses will be sold for 25 cents each or five for $1. The jewelry room will be open.

Dec. 7: Tickets are on sale for a Design and Wine event planned for 6 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Attendees will create a pair of earrings and matching necklace and enjoy wine sampling. Cost: $40 includes materials. Members and guests welcome. Reservations required. Details: mooselodge053@gmail.com.

New Kensington

Today: Peoples Library will present “Notorious Pittsburgh” with Chris Whitlatch at 2 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Today: East Kensington Community Circle will host a cash bingo in the Community Circle building, 1785 Seventh St., across from Martin Elementary School. Doors open at 11:30. Lunch will be served at 12:30 and bingo starts at 1 p.m. There will be a progressive jackpot and magic number game. Cost: $20, includes lunch and 19 games.

Tuesday: An arts, crafts and STEM craft workshop for all ages will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursdays: The Corner Launchbox will host a free virtual, four-part series “Lunch & Learn: Business Basics Breakdown” at noon Nov. 16, Dec. 7, Jan. 11 and Feb. 1. Topics will cover branding, digital marketing, finance, accounting, legal and other best practices. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/mrxafxcf. Details: amp7089@psu.edu.

Oakmont

Monday: The Cookbook Club at Oakmont Carnegie Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Stop in the library, look through this month’s cookbook, select a recipe you would like to make, and prepare and bring it to the meeting. Registration required. Bring a beverage and utensils. New members welcome. Details: Robin, almendingerr@einetwork.net.

Parks Township 

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will have a country music jam night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Public welcome. Details: 724-845-2390.

Plum

Nov. 28: Plum Community Library is accepting orders for a winter plant fundraiser. Items available include poinsettias, cyclamens, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, wreaths, swags and garlands. Plants are supplied by Erich Gumto Greenhouses Inc. and a portion of sales will benefit the library. Paid order deadline: Saturday. Pickup: Nov. 28 at the library. Order forms: tinyurl.com/2he7pj3z.

Tarentum 

Sunday and Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. An opportunity for silent prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.

Vandergrift  

Dec. 31: Vandergrift Public Library is conducting a 100,000 penny collection challenge through the end of the year. Bring your pennies to the library, 128C Washington Ave., or TinyCause or Champion’s Crusaders Rescue. Funds raised will be split between the three organizations.

West Deer 

Through Nov. 17: Deer Lakes Middle School Student Council is conducting a canned goods collection to benefit the West Deer Food Bank. Donations can be dropped off in the front lobby of the school.