It only takes a small fraction of your time and minimal effort to help carry out various projects to improve the community. The following are upcoming events in need of volunteers:
Hurricane relief
Many people with local ties have lost everything in the flooding brought on by Hurricane Sandy.
Local ties
One of the many in need is the niece of a local man who lost her home, car, clothes, toys for her daughter and more. They are seeking 3t girls clothes, jackets, pajamas, extra diapers, toys etc. A stroller and pack-n-play and some toys have been collected for her daughter, but much more is needed. All donations must be received by Monday. Contact Shamokin Coal Township Community Cares Project on Facebook, email coalregionpride@yahoo.com or call 898-5229 for more information.
General collection
Stacy Huber, Loni Aiello and Devin Hartman have collected blankets, clothing, coats, baby formula, gift cards, food, money and more for general hurricane relief. They will be taking a truckload of donations to New Jersey Saturday. Once they near the damaged area, they will be escorted to several churches in the area where they will distribute items. To donate, people can contact Huber by phone at 850-7114 or message her on Facebook at Facebook.com/stacyhutnick.
Local team helps out
Eight workers from the Coal Region will be travelling to Long Island, N.Y. from Nov. 13 to 16. They will assist with cleanup efforts and bring a van load of urgently needed supplies, including flashlights, batteries, underwear, blankets, cases of water, hats, rubber gloves, cloth gloves, cleaning supplies, large garbage bags, storage tubs, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels and toiletries.
Cash donations are also needed. Checks can be made out to Mountainside Church. Gift cards also welcome.
Drop all supplies and donations at Mountainside Church, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township, Monday from 1:30 to 7 p.m.
Call 847-6696 for more information.
Parishes of the Diocese of Harrisburg donate
In the wake of the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Harrisburg will take up a special collection in all of their parishes Saturday and Sunday. Checks may be made payable to your parish with a notation in the memo line "Hurricane Sandy." The funds that will be collected for will be administered by Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services.
God's Chuck Wagon bus conversion
Shamokin Coal Township Community Cares Project is looking to get a few extra monetary donations to convert a bus into a mobile soup kitchen for God's Chuck Wagon so they can continue to serve food to the homeless and needy throughout the winter. Contact Matt Reidinger at 898-5229, Pastor James Bowers at 492-3902 or Janet Bowers at 274-5736. They would like to complete the project this weekend. Donations must be made by Saturday so the bus is completed and ready for Thanksgiving. If you can not make a monetary donation, please feel free to spread the word of this worthy project.
Keep the needy warm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel church hall, 47 S. Market St. (senior action center) will be giving away coats, hats, scarves and gloves to the needy from 8:30 to 1:30 p.m. Monday.
LARRC seeks volunteers
Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. The group is hoping to break ground this fall. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.
(The News-Item is looking to highlight some of the things to which you can contribute time in the area. We will provide that information weekly in Friday's edition. We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call.)