United Way of Lawrence Co. collects blankets

Staff report

NEW CASTLE, PA.

The United Way of Lawrence County collected 426 blankets for distribution to families facing challenges with heating their homes or purchasing blankets for warmth during the winter’s cold.

Over the past several years, the United Way has partnered with Columbia Gas, community groups, agencies and local schools in an effort to collect the new blankets.

Students from the Shenango Area School District alone collected 207 blankets for the drive. Other schools participating were the New Castle and Mohawk school districts.

Companies participating in the drive included Liberty Mutual, Tire Express, Connerly’s Cleaners, GNC Credit Union, Professional Pharmacy Solutions plus the offices of state Rep. Jaret Gibbons of Ellwood City, D-10th, and state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. of New Sewickley, R-47th.

Agencies receiving the blankets were Children’s Advocacy, Holy Redeemer Church, Lawrence County Crisis Shelter, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Salvation Army, People in Need, Catholic Charities and the City Rescue Mission.

Gayle Young, UW executive director, said, “This program provides blankets to families that need extra help in keeping their heating cost down.”