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.
Fund aids animals with health problems
The Fur-ever Mine Fund at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley covers the cost of medical care for cats and dogs that are admitted to the shelter.
Some animals arrive in good health, but many others have medical problems that need to be addressed before they can be adopted.
To contribute, visit the Donations area at animalprotectors.net.
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. Cost: $25 per packet. The kitchen will be open with a limited menu. Details:724-478-4831.
Thursday: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.
Thursday: Apollo Area Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. New members welcome.
Apollo/East Vandergrift
Jan. 14: St. James and Our Lady, Queen of Peace parishes will sponsor a bus trip to Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the St. James Church parking lot and stay at the casino for five hours. Cost: $30, includes $20 free play. State-issued photo ID required to receive free play. Reservations:724-478-4958.
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 be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details:724-994-6030.
Buffalo Township
Today: Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department will serve dinners from 3 to 7 p.m. at the firehall, 565 Sarver Road. Menu: hot sausage sandwich dinner, $12; two hot dogs dinner, $10; include macaroni & cheese, baked beans, dessert and drink; children’s meal of one hot dog and sides, $8. Stuffed pepper soup: cup, $3, quart, $8. Dine in or takeout. Cash only.
Freeport
Wednesdays: The Blessing Closet 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.
Thursday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. in the post back hall, 102 Fifth St. Bring bingo chips. The kitchen will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
Gilpin
Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
Harrison
Today: The Accordion Club will observe winter meeting hours through March. Meetings will be from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6003 Freeport Road. Performance dates for 2026 are now being accepted. 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.
Friday : Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary is selling tickets for a $250 cash raffle. The drawing will be at 3 p.m. Friday. Cost: $2 per ticket; cash and checks accepted. Tickets will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Jan. 9 in the hospital lobby, 1301 Carlisle St. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary projects for the hospital.
Jan. 17: Tri-County Trout Club is accepting table reservations for its annual sport show and flea market planned at Patterson Hall at Guardian Angels Parish, 800 Montana Ave. Vendors must sell new, used or collectable fishing, hunting, camping or sports items. Cost: $25. Details:412-298-0964 or tctcnews@gmail.com, leave a message with your name and phone number.
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.
Lower Burrell
Today: Redemption Church will host a free GriefShare program, “Is This Normal?” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church, 3400 Garvers Ferry Road. Anyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one is welcome. Meetings will continue on Tuesdays through March 17. Details: Brenda Heinz, 412-398-1622.
Today: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter St. Details:724-339-1021.
Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details:724-339-1021.
New Kensington
Today : An American Red Cross community blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wesley Family Services Wellness Center, 1045 Fourth Ave. Appointments:800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code NEWKEN.
Today: A family story time will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
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.
Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
Thursday: The knitting group at Peoples Library will meet at noon at the library, 880 Barnes St. All skill levels welcome. Details:724-339-1021.
Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sales are from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost: $25 for a 12-on package; specials will be available. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details:724-448-7403.
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. 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 4:30 to 6 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Recipients in need must stop in at the pantry to be confirmed/verified. 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.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
Wednesday: Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will offer free fresh food and hygiene kits at noon and 4 p.m. while supplies last. There are no income guidelines and everyone is welcome.
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/attaboys-kitchen. 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. An evening of scrapbooking will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Bring your own supplies or trade with a friend. Details:724-224-7666.
Thursday: The Highlands Regional Republican Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Praha Hotel, 400 Corbet St. Details: Les, 412-965-6454.
Washington Township
Today and Thursday: The Blessing Closet at Union Presbyterian Church will be open by appointment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 656 Route 380. Items available include paper products, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and pet supplies. Appointments:724-337-3042.
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.