Columbia Gas partners to provide blankets for families

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR United Way has partnered with Columbia Gas, community groups, agencies and local schools to collect new blankets for families in need. Among the 498 blankets collected, there were baby blankets, crocheted blankets, bed blankets and comforters and 60 sets of gloves and hats. School districts that participated included Shenango, Neshannock and New Castle, all in Pennsylvania. Christian Hall, a student at Shenango High School, coordinated the blanket drive for his senior project. The students helped sort and prepare the blankets for distribution at the Columbia Gas Building. Companies participating in the drive were Liberty Mutual, GNC Credit Union, Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency, Hoyt Art Center, Spiritual Path Church, Connerly’s Cleaners, the Confluence, Lawrence County Government Center, First Commonwealth Bank (Union Square) and New Castle Community YMCA. The blankets were distributed to Children’s Advocacy, Holy Redeemer Church, Crisis Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Lawrence County Cares, People in Need, Catholic Charities, City Rescue Mission and Humane Society.