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.
Purse bash to raise funds for Highlands football program
Highlands Golden Rams Varsity Football Gridiron will host a purse bash fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Brackenridge American Legion, 845 First Ave.
Tickets are $40, and include 21 tickets for the purse drawings, nonalcoholic drinks and light snacks. Each person who attends will receive a gift. There will be over 35 designer bags, pick of the table, a basket raffle and a 50-50. Cash, checks and Venmo will be accepted.
For tickets, call Natalie Cale at 724-448-6588 or send a message to Highlands Golden Rams Gridiron on Facebook.
Gift cards sought by Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center
The Alle-Kiski Area Hope Center is requesting donations of gift cards from various vendors.
Cards for Sheetz or Giant Eagle help clients who may need gasoline to get to work or doctor’s appointments. Other cards from coffee shops, restaurants and online companies are used by the HOPE Center for raffles and help HOPE personnel advocates attract attention to their information table at events.
Cards can be mailed to the center at P.O. Box 67, Tarentum PA 15084 or taken to the administration building, 500 E. Eighth Ave., Tarentum, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For questions, call 724-224-1100.
Free open door luncheon set in New Kensington
Allegheny Valley Church of God, 216 Catalpa St., New Kensington, will serve free lunches at noon Wednesday.
Chili and cookies will be served for as long as the food lasts. Dine in or takeout available. For details, call 724-335-0994.
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: 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.
March 14: St. James Parish, 109 Owens View Ave., is accepting space reservations from flea market, yard sale and craft vendors for a flea market planned from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday of each month in the parish activities center. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.
Arnold
Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Cost: potato or sauerkraut, $14 per dozen. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. Orders:724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Today: A free dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Everyone welcome.
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: The lunch program at the Salvation Army of Allegheny Valley is canceled this week.
Thursday: Bingo will be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.
Cheswick
Wednesday and Thursday: A veterans service officer will be available by appointment at the office of Rep. Mandy Steele, 1296 Pittsburgh St. Services available include state benefits, burial and survivor benefits, enrollment in the VA health care system and more. Reservations:724-826-5151.
East Vandergrift
Feb. 14: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a Sweetheart raffle. The winning numbers will be the 1:30 and 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Lottery Pick-3 numbers on Valentine’s Day. Each winner will receive $1,000, a $50 gift card to Fine Wine and Spirits and a $50 gift certificate to Sweetlane Chocolate Shop in Vandergrift. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: 724-568-3409, in the parish office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.
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.
Thursdays: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. in the post back hall, 102 Fifth St. Bring bingo chips. Kitchen open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
Saturday : A bingo to benefit the Freeport Area High School baseball team will be at 3 p.m. at Laube Hall, 115 Community Park Road. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost: $50. There will be 16 regular games, 5 specials and a $2,500 jackpot game. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be sold and there will be a basket raffle and 50-50. BYOB and snacks. Tickets: fhsjacketsbaseballboosters@gmail.com.
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 meet 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.
Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will have a story time from 10 to 11 a.m. for children age 3 to 6 at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The program will be about germs. No reservations required. Details:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
Wednesday : The Sip & Stitch group at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Enjoy provided refreshments and conversation while you work on your needlecraft projects. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
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.
Jan. 28: The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be “A Spool of Blue Thread,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Tyler. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Note the new date. Reservations:724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
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.
Thursdays: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will offer a free weekly virtual grief support group at 7 a.m. Jan. 22 through Jan. 14, 2027. The group will provide a safe, welcoming space for adults who have lost a loved one. New participants are welcome to join each week. Reservations required. Reservations and more information: John Porter, 724-898-0126, ext. 4426.
Leechburg
Feb. 14: A murder mystery dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the Sokol Club, 55 Siberian Ave. Cost: $45. There will be a cash bar, basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: stop in at the club. Questions: sokol255@outlook.com. Proceeds will benefit the Sokol 255 Educational Scholarship Fund.
Lower Burrell
Today: Redemption Church will host a free GriefShare program about loneliness and sadness 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.
Jan. 31: A spaghetti dinner to benefit cancer patient Janet Powell will be at the Kinloch Volunteer Firehall, 915 New York Ave. Donations of gift certificates, gift baskets, pasta sauce, pasta, rolls, butter, salad, desserts, plates, and to-go containers are being accepted. Details: Carrie, 724-826-0168 or Holly, 724-351-2782.
Feb. 7: A murder mystery dinner will be at 6 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. A prom thriller will be presented by The Theater Factory. Cost: $50, members, $45. Details:nkmoose53@gmail.com.
Through Feb. 28: The works of local mixed media artist Lynn Jacques, a member of the Allegheny Valley League of Artists, will be on display during business hours at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave.
New Kensington
Today: A family story time will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
Today: The Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania sponsors a free support group for Parkinson’s Disease patients and their family members from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Valley Points YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Details: Chrissy and Josh Lookabaugh, 724-594-3245.
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: Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe. This week’s meals are sponsored by the Orr Family. Details: 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.
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.
Feb. 13: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a grape leaves sale. Cost: six for $7; or 12 for $14. Pickup: noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Order deadline: Feb. 8. Quantities are limited. Orders:724-335-9988.
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.
Jan. 26: The Kids Book Club at Oakmont Carnegie Library will meet at 5 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Children in third through fifth grade or who are independent readers welcome. Reservations required. Reservations:oakmontlibrary.org.
Parks Township
Thursday: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.
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
Thursdays: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will host a free weekly grief support group from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 29 to March 26 at South Butler Community Library, 240 W. Main St. Reservations required by today. Reservations:724-898-0126, ext. 4426.
Sharpsburg
Feb. 8: Addiction Recovery Ministry will host a family-friendly Super Bowl party at 5:30 p.m. at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided; bring an appetizer to share. Reservations required by Feb. 1. Reservations: Rosemarie, 412-378-9290.
Springdale
Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. 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. Updates:lowervalleyfoodbank.org.
Thursday: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.
Jan. 27: 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 “Beautiful Ugly” by Alice Feeney. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations:724-274-9729.
Feb. 7: A bingo to benefit Frazer Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 will be at 1 p.m. at the Springdale Veterans Association, 1151 Pittsburgh St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $40 in advance; at the door, $45; includes a package of 12 cards for 18 regular games, 12 cards for four specials and 2 jackpot games. Daubers must be used for all games. There will be over $4,000 in prizes. Cash will be accepted for food purchases. No BYOB. Tickets: Jennifer, 724-980-4544 or send a message to Frazer VFD No. 2 on Facebook.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
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. Details: 724-224-7666.
Vandergrift
Mondays through March 19: Vandergrift Public Library will sponsor a chess club for children in kindergarten through eighth grade from 6 to 7 p.m. at 163 Washington Ave. Students are paired with others their age and are guided by a chess master and volunteers. Chess boards are provided. A tournament will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 28. The group will not meet today. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/yv5ztzrp.
Saturday : TinyCause will host a microchip and nail trim clinic for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tiny’s Fur Family Shop, 131 Columbia Ave. Cost: microchips with lifetime registration, $25; ear cleaning, $5; nail trims, $10. Appointments required for microchips only. Microchip appointments: message TinyCause on Facebook.
Washington Township
Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 105 Pfeffer Road, suite 5. 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:724-387-9113.
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
West Deer
Thursday: There will be bingo from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion, 57 Superior Road. There will be 10 games. Cost: $1 per card for regular games; specials, $2; and $5 for cover-all. Public welcome.
West Leechburg
Friday : Burrell Youth Wrestling will sponsor a bingo at 6:30 p.m. at West Leechburg Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Doors open and dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $45, includes regular and special games and buffet dinner. There will be instant tickets and a 50-50. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3xtnp7er. Details: call or text 724-882-9700.
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/ysacxmck.