Biking to build awareness

Major Elijah Kahn, Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services coordinator, and Tim Clayton, the organization’s advisory board chairman, will gear up for Salvation Army Week 2014 by taking a 210 mile bicycle trek.

The pair will ride in the Tour of Scioto Valley River May 10 and 11 to raise awareness and funds to support needed programs in the Mahoning County. Sponsor’s logos will be on the riders’ t-shirts. First gear is $300, second gear is $200 and third gear is $100. Donors who are unable to sponsor the ride can donate $2 for each mile you wish to sponsor.

“We are excited about this unique endeavor,” said Kahn. “Hunger is a reality for an overwhelming number in our community. This ride will help bring attention to that fact and hopefully help stock our pantry and support our soup kitchen to feed those who are hungry.”

The Salvation Army Mahoning County Area Services food pantry serves more than 1,000 bags of groceries to families in need while the soup kitchen serves more than 2,750 hot meals each month.

Kahn and Clayton had a press conference April 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Mahoning County Salvation Army, located at 1501 Glenwood Ave, to discuss details of the ride and how to pledge support to it.

The ride will kick off Salvation Army Week, which is May 11-17. As part of the weeklong celebration, the 2014 Annual Civic Dinner will take place May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Club, located at 1140 Paulin Road in Poland. Individual tickets are $70, with a portion being tax deductible.