Advertise your holiday events, club meetings and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send the information at least a week in advance to [email protected] Please include a daytime phone number.

Volunteers needed to prepare tax returns

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and United Way of Southwest Pennsylvania are looking for people to volunteer their time as tax preparers.

Many of our neighbors do not have access to affordable tax assistance, fall victim to fast-paying loans, or are unaware of state and federal tax credits. Free training and certification are provided.

For details, call 724-226-0606, ext. 10, email [email protected] or visit uwswpa.org/free-tax-preparation. The registration deadline is December 31st.

Participants wanted for the local history project

Producer John Bailey is looking for local veterans to interview for his “Southwest Pennsylvania Goes to War” video story project.

There is no charge to participate. To be considered, contact Bailey at [email protected]

Calendar

Apollo

December 31st : Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will be having a New Years Eve bingo at 8:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen will be open with a full menu. There will be four Early Bird games, 17 regular games, four specials, and a must-see jackpot that will bring in $ 500. Cost: $ 25, includes hot dog with kraut, if purchased before December 22, after December 22, $ 30. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Brackenridge

Today: Sons of the American Legion will be serving an all-you-can-eat community breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon at the American Legion, 845 E. First Ave. Cost: $ 8; under 12, $ 5.

Thusday: A replenishment blood drive for Terry Spale will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10^e Ave. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointment : 412-209-7000 or Dawn Spale at 724-224-2224 or [email protected] or visit vitalant.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Look for the group code Z0021156.

Wednesday: Al-Anon will meet at 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10th Avenue. The group offers help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics.

Harrison

Tuesday: Allegheny Valley Community Library will feature Who Knew? program, “Unforgettable local winter weather”, at 6 pm online only at Zoom.us. Registration required. Registration: visit the calendar section on alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg

Monday: The Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, 118 First St., is closed for the winter. To arrange a private tour, email [email protected] or call 724-845-8914 and leave a message.

Monday: The Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting a bingo at 7 p.m. at the Fire Station, 268 Canal Street. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Manor

Tuesday: The Crooked Creek Outdoor Discovery Center will sponsor a free hike and crafts during the Winter Solstice at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. The group will be making lanterns and there will be activities for the kids. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

New Kensington

Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers clothing for all family members, uniforms for students at Mary Queen of Apostles School, shoes, bags to hand, household items, sheets and blankets. Visit the new home store. New customers receive 15 free items. Donations accepted during opening hours only. Try your luck for free at a monthly basket raffle.

January 8: A spaghetti dinner to benefit lung cancer patient Chris Ploski and his wife Emily will be at The Eagles, 2134 Freeport Road. Donations of gift baskets are accepted for a silent auction. Details: Davis, 412-378-6296 or the Eagles, 724-335-7811.

Parks

Today: The Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will host a musical night for members and guests from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite string instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Details: 724-845-2390.

Monday: An American Red Cross community blood drive will be held from noon to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Highfield Lutheran Church, 1595 Dime Road. Appointment : 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

Pittsburgh

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley section of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8:00 a.m. at Panera Bread, Waterworks Mall, 942 Freeport Road. Participants can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations: Susan Kinger, 412-782-4848.

Springdale

December 28: The Springdale Free Public Library Tuesday Night Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, 331 School Street. The selection will be “Meet You In Hell” by Les Standiford. Copies are available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Taranto

Today and Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny Street. An opportunity for silent prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: The Elks will host the bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen is open to the public from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Menu: elks644.org/elks-kitchen-1. Orders: 724-226-1644 at 8:15 p.m.

High Burrell

December 24: The Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Company and the Vigilant Hose Company of Port Vue are sponsoring a $ 15,000 raffle. The winning number will be number 4 in the Pennsylvania December 24 Lottery. Cost: $ 20 for eight issues. Tickets: send a private message to the company’s Facebook page.

Vandergrift

Tuesday: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Library’s Reading Room, 128C. Washington Ave. Please note the new date and time. All skill levels are welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

December 28: The Vandergrift Public Library will be hosting a free family painting evening, “Canvas & Cocoa” at 6 pm at the library. Young people and their adults can choose one of four design options to paint. Freestyle for toddlers will be available. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be available. Places are limited and reservations are required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.