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Operation Christmas Child shoe box collection underway

Grace Community Presbyterian Church, Lower Burrell, is conducting an Operation Christmas Child shoe box collection.

The public is welcome to construct an Operation Christmas Child shoe box by filling an ordinary shoe box with toys, school supplies and hygiene products and bringing it to the church, 2751 Grant Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Thursday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon Monday, and 5:30 to 8 p.m. weekdays. Look for the signs.

Deadline to bring a box is Monday. Boxes are shipped to children in over 100 countries around the world. For more details, visit samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/.

Stocking stuffer items needed for veterans

Vandergrift Veterans of Foreign Wars is collecting items to be placed in Christmas stockings for the veterans at the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, Sugarcreek Township, Armstrong County.

Items needed include foot powder, socks, beef sticks, non-alcoholic mouth wash, body wash, caps, travel games, tooth care products, shampoo, gloves and playing cards. Donations can be taken between noon and 10 p.m. to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 141 Sumner Ave.

Toy donations sought for Christopher’s Light children’s charity

Children’s charity Christopher’s Light is collecting toys for distribution to local children.

Toys are needed for children age newborn to 12. Donations are being accepted at Apollo Memorial Library, Sweetlane Chocolate Shop and Veterans of Foreign Wars, both in Vandergrift, NovaCare in Ford City and at Christopher’s Light in Saltsburg.

To make a cash donation, send a check made out to Christopher’s Light to PO Box. 94, Apollo PA 15613 or visit christopherslight.com/donate-gofundme. For details, call or text 724-448-1349. Christopher’s Light is a non-profit that provides clothing, support and educational services to children in Westmoreland, Indiana and Armstrong counties.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Prize amounts have been raised and there will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-478-4831.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. The current exhibit is a vintage toy display.

Saturday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 is selling tickets for a Black Friday cash and gift card raffle. Winner will receive $750 in cash and $750 in assorted gift cards. Winning number will be the evening Nov. 20 3-digit Pa. Daily Number. Cost: $10 for four numbers. Tickets: Fox’s Pizza in Apollo or apollo-hose-co-2-2.myshopify.com/.

Arnold

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: potato and sauerkraut. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays at the church social hall. Face masks required. Cost: $11 per dozen; 6 for $6. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: 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.

Thursday: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

East Vandergrift 

Dec. 6: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is sponsoring a St. Nicholas Day raffle. Winning numbers will be the noon and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 Pa. Lottery Daily Pick 3 numbers. The noon winner receives $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to Pounds Turkey Farm. The 7 p.m. winner receives $1,300 and a $100 gift certificate to Pounds Turkey Farm. Cost: $10, for two numbers. Tickets: Deborah, 724-859-3186, the church office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Etna

Friday: The Pittsburgh North chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 9 a.m. at Eat N Park Restaurant, Route 8 and Saxonburg Blvd. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Meetings are the first and third Fridays of the month. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Kathy Bell, 412-855-0578

Frazer

Through Saturday: Dasher’s Lightshow at Pittsburgh Mills Mall will have a Toys For Tots fundraiser. Bring a new toy and receive a free show replay of a new show. Buy tickets at bit.ly/TOYS4TotsDASH and a percentage of admission will be donated to Toys For Tots.

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.

Ongoing: Freeport Area Library is accepting donations of new and gently-used household items, books, games, puzzles, holiday decor and DVDs for its upcoming sale. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Details: 724-295-3616.

Gilpin

Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7:15 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

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.

Friday: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there will be specials, a 50/50 raffle and final game jackpot.

Leechburg

Today: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. Details: 724-236-0080.

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.

Thursday: Leechburg Public Library will host a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Party for children in prekindergarten through third grade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 139 Market St. There will be snacks, activities and a screening of the television special. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-236-0080.

Thursday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, 118 First St. Basic computer skills and face masks required. Ancestry.com and Newspaper.com are available. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.

Dec. 11 and 12: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is seeking crafters and vendors for a Christmas craft show set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30 for an 8-foot table with two chairs for one day; or $50 for both days. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net or Shay, 724-596-2858.

Dec. 18: Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 366 Third St., will have its annual Christmas Bake Sale. Orders are being taken for assorted homemade cookie trays. Cost: large trays, $40; small trays, $30. Order deadline: Nov. 30. Orders: 724-882-2665, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Manor

Nov. 24: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will sponsor a free children’s Thankful for Nature hike and craft event at 10 a.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. There will be an easy- to moderate-rated hike, and then the group will go indoors for hot apple cider, a story, craft and autumn science lesson. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events/.

New Kensington

Thursday: Peoples Library will host an outside STEM program for children age 6 to 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the courtyard behind the library, 880 Barnes St. No reservations required.

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 with new selections. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are required except when eating. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go Thanksgiving meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Harvest Baptist Church. Those picking up meals should observe social distancing while waiting in line.

Thursday: Heritage Hospice will host a free Grief Support group for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the center, 2400 Leechburg Road, building 300. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. Details: Amber, 724-334-6600 or amberhusar@heritagehospicepa.com.

Friday: St. George Orthodox Church, 1150 Leishman Ave., will sell Middle Eastern vegan lunches. Menu: falafel salad plate of five falafel balls, lettuce tomato, onions and a side of tahini topped with half of a large pita bread, pickle and a side of rice and beans, $10. Orders required by noon today. Pickup: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church office. Orders: 724-337-9845, leave a message.

Dec. 7: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a pierogi sale. Varieties: potato and cheese, sauerkraut, cottage cheese and cottage cheese with sugar, $10 per frozen dozen. Pickup: 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the church, 150 Elmtree Road. Order deadline: Nov. 26. Orders: 724-226-0942 or saintjohnnewken@gmail.com.

Oakmont

Today: Riverview Relay for Life will meet at 6 p.m. at Oakmont Yacht Club, 11 Washington Ave. Everyone welcome.

Parks

Thursday: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.

Penn Hills 

Saturday: A free Allegheny County Health Department immunization clinic will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. Hope Community Presbyterian Church, 12106 Frankstown Road. Vaccines available will include flu; Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson for covid-19, boosters for all three vaccines, and the newly approved Pfizer vaccine for children age 5 to 11. Bring immunization records, ID and insurance card. Walk-ins welcome for boosters, teens and 5- to 11-year-olds. Appointments required for all others. Face masks required. Appointments: vax4.alleghenycounty.us.

Saltsburg

Nov. 24: Christopher’s Light is selling tickets for a lottery ticket raffle. Winner will receive $100 in Pa. Lottery scratch-off tickets and $150 in cash. Cost: $5 for four chances. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Nov. 24 Pa. Pick 3. Christopher’s Light is a non-profit that provides clothing, support and educational services to children in Westmoreland, Indiana and Armstrong counties. Tickets: 724-448-1349.

Springdale 

Nov. 23: 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, “Before We Were Yours,” by Lisa Wingate. 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.

Today: BridgePoint Church will offer, “Stop, Drop and Read,” from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church children’s library, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Free children’s grab-and-go meals will be distributed.

Thursday: The Manos Art Gallery will host an open house from 3 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 320 E. Fifth Ave. There will be art raffles and donations will be accepted to benefit the Free Care Fund at UPMC Children’s Hospital.

Upper Burrell

Dec. 24: 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  

Today: A dine-in Dollar Dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at First United Methodist Church, 134 Custer Ave. Menu: chicken broccoli casserole, bread and butter, pumpkin mousse and bottled water, $1. Takeouts available after 5 p.m. There will be no dinner in December. Details: 724-568-5575.

Today: Vandergrift Public Library will host a Home School Meet Up and Think Tank at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Homeschoolers of all ages are welcome to meet others and learn about the resources at the library. The group plans to meet monthly. Registration required. Registration: 724-568-2212.

Thursday: St. Gertrude Church will sell frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce from 4 to 6 p.m. by curbside pickup at the church social hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Cost: sauce, $7 per quart; meatballs, six for $3. Please enter the driveway near Sandra Lynn’s Dance School and follow the arrows to the social hall door. Items will also be available after the Saturday and Sunday Masses at the church while supplies last. There will be no sale in December.

Friday: Vandergrift Public Library and Kiski Area Youth Network will host a free Teen Afterhours event from 6 to 10 p.m. for students in sixth through 12th grade at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Teens can enjoy food, games and friends with adult supervision. Reservations required. Reservations: vandergriftpubliclibrary.org/programs/after-hours/. Details: 724-568-2212.

Nov. 30: Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave., is having a fall book sale through the end of November at the library. Cost: books, $3 for a Giant Eagle bag; puzzles, $1. Details: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

Friday: Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. The kitchen will be open. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.

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