While leaders at Trinity United Church of Christ scramble to regroup after a devastating fire last week, they said the congregation’s work to support local food banks will continue.
The Rev. David Mears is asking people to donate monetarily by check or online instead of dropping off food at the church building along Saxonburg Boulevard.
“Continued support is greatly appreciated,” Mears said. “It allows Trinity to continue the work of Jesus Christ, and we are most grateful for everyone’s devotion and dedication.”
The 150-year-old church was left gutted after a blaze May 6 that was ruled accidental by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal.
No one was injured. Mears said it would be several months before parishioners can gather on-site again. Services are being held at rotating venues and will be posted live on Facebook and YouTube. This week’s service will be at 10:30 a.m. at Perman Funeral Home along Saxonburg Boulevard in Shaler.
A GoFundMe was launched for church reconstruction. As of Wednesday, more than $36,000 had been raised toward a $40,000 goal.
In the meantime, Mears said there is outreach to be done. Donations to the food bank mission will be used to buy food for Singing Winds Food Bank at the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, also in Indiana Township, and for the West Deer Food Pantry.
Singing Winds operates in conjunction with the Indian Center’s elders program but is available to people of all ages. Pickups are once a month at 120 Charles St., off Saxonburg Boulevard. The site also provides pet food and clothes.
West Deer food bank is in the garage of East Union Presbyterian Church along East Union Road. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Click here to donate online to Trinity’s food mission or visit Facebook.