The Stroller, Jan. 7, 2025: 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. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller.

Lower Valley Food Bank distribution set Thursday

Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building, 325 School St.

Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday. For updates and possible closure information due to inclement weather, visit lowervalleyfoodbank.org.

Free meal distribution planned at Knead Community Cafe

Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington.

To sponsor a meal, visit kneadcommunitycafe.org or call 878-847-7997.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Thursday: Bingo will be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.

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.

Buffalo Township

Wednesday: Sarver Momco, formerly known as MOPS, will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Road. This is a non-denominational faith-based group for mothers of children in 12^th grade and younger and those who are expecting. Reservations required. Reservations: Sarvermomco@gmail.com or SarverMomco on Facebook.

Freeport

Wednesdays: The Blessing Closet, formerly known as the Thrift Store Ministry, at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items are free, but donations will be accepted. Items available include clothing of all sizes, bedding and window items. Donations of clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Gilpin 

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

Friday : A Red Cross community blood drive will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD.

Harrison

Today: The Accordion Club is seeking new players of all ages. Meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6003 Freeport Road. Details: 724-236-0665.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Wednesday: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Cost: adult tops and bottoms, 50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Please bring small bills and your own bags. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.

Jefferson Township

Thursday: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.

Leechburg

Thursday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 118 First St. The group will now meet on the second and third Thursdays of each month. Basic computer skills required. Details: Judy, wrighton154@yahoo.com.

Lower Burrell

Jan. 14: Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Dr., will offer a GriefShare support group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 14 through April 8 at the church. No reservations required.

New Kensington

Today: A wellness class for those with Parkinson’s Disease is offered from 1:15 to 2 p.m. at Valley Points Family YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, the program is a mix of exercises designed to help manage Parkinson’s Disease and includes aerobic and resistance training, stretching, balance, facial and voice exercises. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-335-9191 or tinyurl.com/5n8jp8y9.

Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 356 Freeport St., suite 100. Services available will include disability and pension claims, benefit questions, assisting spouses with survivor benefits issues and applications for veterans grants. Appointments will be accepted, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 724-472-4102.

Thursday and Saturday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes, linens, purses and handbags. Household items, dishes, appliances and books will no longer be accepted. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Plum

Today: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Details: 724-327-0367.

Saxonburg

Thursday: The dementia caregiver support group at South Butler Community Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. The group meets the second Thursday of each month and provides a safe place for caregivers to share their feelings and discuss their day-to-day challenges. No reservations required. Details: Michelle Govan, RN, 724-504-5512.

Springdale 

Thursday : Springdale Free Public Library will have a Family Fun Night at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will be celebrated. There will be a craft and a visit with a local police officer. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 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.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. Details: 724-224-7666.

Saturday : The Masons are selling tickets for a 50-50 raffle to benefit the lodge scholarship program. The winning number will be drawn at the Jan. 11 pancake breakfast at the lodge, 307 Lock St., second floor. Cost: $2; six for $10. Tickets: send a check with “raffle” in the memo line made out to Pollock Lodge No. 502, 307 Lock St., Tarentum PA 15084.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.

Winfield

Thursday: The Matrona Family Resource Center at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. New and gently used clothing in sizes preemie through 10/12 will be available, as well as strollers, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.