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Major Kahn, Tim Clayton training for 210-mile trek along the Ohio River
YOUNGSTOWN
In honor of Salvation Army Week May 11-16, officials of the Mahoning County Salvation Army are participating in the 210-mile bicycle Tour of Scioto Valley River to raise money and awareness for the local organization’s food pantry and soup kitchen.
Maj. Elijah O. Kahn, Salvation Army Mahoning County Area services coordinator, and Tim Clayton, chairman of the local Army’s advisory board, have been training on weekends for the Mother’s Day weekend round-trip ride along the Ohio River between Columbus and Portsmouth, which they named Pedal for the Pantry.
“Hunger is a reality for many in our community, especially in the summer when children aren’t in school and supplies for the food pantry are traditionally lower,” Kahn said. “The ride will raise needed funds to support these important food programs.
“We are excited about this endeavor and plan to host a ride next year in the Mahoning Valley as part of Salvation Army Week,” he said.
For this year’s ride, Kahn urged people to get involved and support him and Clayton at one of the following sponsorship levels: 1st Gear, $300; 2nd Gear, $200, and 3rd Gear, $100. Donors unable to sponsor the ride at those levels can donate $2 per mile for any number of miles they wish, Kahn said.
To become a sponsor or pledge $2 per mile, contact Kahn at 330-270-5999, or mail a check or money order, payable to the Salvation Army, to Maj. Elijah O. Kahn, Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services, 1501 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.
Clayton, an owner of Clayton Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Youngstown, said he and his company got involved in the Salvation Army several years ago “because it is a faith-based organization that does a lot of good in the community.”
Kahn said Pedal for the Pantry is one of two events planned for the 2014 Salvation Army Week.
The second is its Annual Civic Dinner, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. May 14 at the Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road in Poland.
At the dinner, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Rotary Club of Boardman, Humility of Mary Health Partners and Rebecca L. Keck will be honored for “outstanding commitment to service in the Mahoning Valley.
Tickets for the civic dinner are $70, a portion of which is tax-deductible.