The Stroller, March 25, 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.

Harlem Wizards hoops team to play at Freeport Area Middle School

The Harlem Wizards basketball team will play a charity game versus a team of Freeport Area High School teachers and staff at 7 p.m. April 7 at the Freeport Middle School gymnasium, Buffalo Township.

Admission is $22 for reserved seating; general admission at the door, $15; student and general advance admission, $12; and courtside plus seats, $50, that include front row seats and a pre-game meet-and-greet with Wizards players.

The event is a fundraiser for the Buffalo Elementary School playground fund. For tickets, visit harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets.

Designer purse bash to aid Saxonburg VFC

Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will host a designer purse gala from 2 to 5 p.m. April 5 at the firehall, 155 Pittsburgh St.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost: in advance, $55; at the door, $60, if available, includes appetizers, soft drink, dessert and four numbers for the drawing. Winners need not be present.

There will be side raffles, a basket auction, pull tickets and specialty drinks. Those attending must be at least 16 years old and at least 21 for a drink bracelet. For tickets, call 724-352-3300, ext. 755 or visit winpurses.com.

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 Club at Apollo Memorial Library will meet at 5 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. Details: 724- 478-4214.

Arnold

Today: Free dinners will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave.

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its pierogi sale. Varieties: 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.

Avonmore

April 12: The Center for Active Adults, 458 Railroad Ave., is accepting reservations for an indoor/outdoor spring craft show set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center. Rain or shine. Cost: $10 per space. Details: 724-697-4014.

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 Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center parking lot, 917 Brackenridge Ave. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

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

Buffalo Township  

April 13: A Sarris candy sale to benefit Buffalo Elementary PTA is being conducted online at sarriscandiesfundraising.com. Candy is available for Easter. Use group number 10-1588.

Freeport

Wednesday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Mary Mother of God church hall, 608 High St. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search for account code UG0040286.

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.

Gilpin

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

Harrison

Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a story time for children age 3 to 5 at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. This week’s theme will be gardening. No reservations required. Details: 724-226-3491.

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. No bedding or electronics please.

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.

Kiski Township

Today: The diaper pantry at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Registration: 724-478-1528.

May 3: Boy Scout Troop 589 is accepting applications for a yard sale planned at Spring Church Sportsman’s Club, 1956 Route 56. Individuals, families and vendors welcome. Cost: yard sale spaces, indoors, $15, outside; $10; vendors and crafters, $25. Spaces are 8-feet wide. Bring your own table and chairs. Reservations: checks made payable to Troop 589 should be sent to Carrie Shank, Troop 589, 1134 Old State Road, Apollo PA 15613. Questions: Tracy Boop, 724-420-6758, or Carrie Shank, 724-448-9639 or cjshank@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

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

Today: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesdays: A free DivorceCare support group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through April 9 at Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Drive. No reservations required. Details: 724-766-6405.

Thursday: The Chess Club at Peoples Library for students age 8 to 18 will meet at 4 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Saturday : A spaghetti dinner to benefit Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, 150 Alder St. Dine in or takeout. Menu: spaghetti, meatballs, salad, roll and dessert. Cost: $12; age 6 to 10, $6; 5 and younger, free. Tickets: 724-339-7338 or tinyurl.com/mrp5m7rn.

New Kensington  

Today: A family story time will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host an online talk watch party with New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Weiner at 7 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Join the group at the library in person or watch online at home. Registration required to watch on demand or join the group online. Registration: libraryc.org/peopleslibrary. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., will offer a Knitting for Beginners class at noon at the library. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Robert and Catherine Cornell. Details: 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.

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.

April 5: The Salvation Army is accepting reservations for a vendor sale planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the center gymnasium, 255 Third St. Cost: $10, for indoor vendors and outdoor food trucks. Provide your own table. Reservation deadline: March 31. Reservations: 724-335-7221.

April 19 to Oct. 25: The Downtown New Kensington Farmers Market is accepting vendor applications for this year’s market season that will run from mid-April through mid October on Fifth Avenue. Local vendors who sell fresh local produce, meat, poultry, dairy products, juice, cheese, bread and baked goods welcome. Details: Meredith, 412-719-8845 or downtownnkmarkets@gmail.com.

May 10: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting basket donations and supplies to make baskets for its annual spring luncheon planned at Knead Community Café. Details: jperin@animalprotectors.net.

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.

Saxonburg  

Wednesday: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will sell takeout fish and chicken dinners from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at the firehall ballroom, 210 Horne Ave. Menu: fish or chicken, baked potato or fries, green beans, coleslaw, roll and cake, $15; extra piece of fish, $6; extra coleslaw, $1. Orders: 724-352-9948 after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

April 5: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will host a designer purse gala from 2 to 5 p.m. at the firehall, 155 Pittsburgh St. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost: in advance, $55; at the door, $60, if available; includes appetizers, soft drink, dessert and four numbers for the drawing. Winner need not be present. There will be side raffles, a basket auction, pull tickets and specialty drinks. Must be at least 16 to attend and at least 21 for a drink bracelet. Tickets: 724-352.3300, ext. 755 or winpurses.com.

Springdale

Monday through Saturday: Springdale Free Public Library will host a community seed exchange during business hours at the library, 331 School St. Sponsored by Pucketos Garden Club. Bring a packet of seeds and take one. Details: 724-297-9729.

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.

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.

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/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.

April 8, 9 and 10: SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 339 E. 10th Ave., is taking orders for its annual Easter nut roll sale. Nut, apricot and poppy seed rolls will be available. Cost per roll: $15. Orders: 724-224-3026 and leave a message, visit tarentumbyzcath.org or email tarentumbyzcath@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

March 31: Tiny Cause Animal Shelter in Vandergrift is collecting gently worn shoes through March 31. No roller skates, Heelys or ice skates, please. Pairs of shoes should be tied together with the laces or rubber bands and placed into a garbage bag. Do not bring shoes in boxes. Contributions can be dropped off at the shelter, 131 Columbia Ave. Details: trapaniam@gmail.com.

Washington Township

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

West Deer 

Friday : Allegheny County Park rangers will host a free guided hike, “Signs of Spring,” from 5 to 7 p.m. at Deer Lakes Park. The hike will be about two miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear close-toed shoes. Meet at the Anglers shelter parking lot. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/5n7h8sj7.

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.