Norwin-area businesses are collecting donations of food and money to help charitable organizations.

The Kenny Ross Automotive Group is collecting nonperishable food at its Subaru and Mazda dealerships on Route 30 in North Huntingdon, its Ford dealership on Route 30 in Hempfield and its Ford dealership on Library Road, Castle Shannon.

The business plans to distribute 100 boxes of food to families, first-come first-served, from noon until 4 p.m. Dec. 22, at its Aunt Penny’s Value Vehicles along Route 30 in the former Kenny Ross used car lot across from Lenhart’s Service Center.

Kenny Ross locations will continue collecting toys Monday and Tuesday for its annual Toys for Tots drive.

On Dec. 23, Kenny Ross will sponsor the North Huntingdon Shop with a Cop event, in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and Walmart. About 70 local children will participate in the event, which will be conducted in a manner that complies with covid-19 restrictions, said Carley Painter, marketing director for the auto dealership.

Last week, Kenny Ross donated hundreds of gift bags and wrapping supplies to the McKeesport Agape Center as it prepares Christmas gifts for families affected by the pandemic.

Irwin extends festival

Irwin’s Festival of Trees has been extended a week to Dec. 18. Visitors to businesses that have decorated Christmas trees to can vote for their favorite tree with a donation that goes to a charity.

The extension allows more people to see the trees and thus provide more money to charity.

Each participating store will pair with a charity for the competition, according to the Irwin Business & Professional Association, event sponsor.

Votes for the best tree will be based on donations placed in collection containers by visitors and customers. The charities will receive all proceeds.

Synergy donates

The Synergy Group of White Oak, which develops financial strategies for retirees, is donating $7,400 to aid three charities in the region that assist people in need.

Among those receiving funds are:

• Light of Life Rescue Mission of Pittsburgh, which provides food and shelter for the poor and homeless.

​• Easterseals of Central and Western Pennsylvania, which offers programs for people with disabilities, seniors, veterans and caregivers.

• Operation Underground Railroad of Anaheim, Calif., which assists governments around the world in the rescue of human trafficking victims, with a focus on children.

​Donors can designate a charity. The donation will help those organizations, but it will also be the donor’s vote on how Synergy will split the $7,500 between each charity. The deadline for donations is Dec. 18.

The charity receiving the largest donation amount from clients will receive a $3,500 donation from Synergy. The charity in second place will receive a $2,500 donation and the charity in third place will receive $1,500.

The following are the links for a donation and vote:

• Light of Life Rescue Mission: ​https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lightoflifediy/account/1038352/

• Easter Seals: ​https://www.eastersealswcpa.org/synergysupports/Donate

• Operation Underground Railroad: ​https://my.ourrescue.org/fundraisers/synergy-group

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