Hundreds Benefit During Salvation Army Distribution
Before toys were transported from a Rayburn Township shed along Troy Hill Road Tuesday, Grace Christian School students were among those that helped bag toys. The students from the West Kittanning private school have helped sort toys for multiple years and earned the sincere thanks of Kittanning Salvation Army Lieutenant Amber Imhoff. (photo used by permission)
by Jonathan Weaver
More than 800 less-fortunate children will receive Christmas gifts under the tree this year courtesy of the community this year.
The endless list of names was given to Kittanning Salvation Army Lieutenant Amber Imhoff as part of the annual toy distribution.
Toys were distributed Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church of Kittanning Covenant Center, as they also were last year.
“All of our families that get Christmas assistance write us a letter stating why they’re in need of Christmas help. I read every single one of those letters, but this year, there (were) a couple that really stuck out in my mind, Lieutenant Imhoff said.
“When I look out in our chapel and see them, I see their stories – they’re not just a number, but they all have a story to tell as to why their life is in the place it is right now.”
A story Imhoff summarized included that of a former-coal miner’s family.
“They went from bringing home $7,000 a month to bringing home $1,000, with six kids at home,” Imhoff said. “A huge, drastic difference – the mortgage doesn’t disappear, the car payments don’t disappear.
“For those types of families, it’s devastating to walk into their door and know that there’s no other way that they’re going to be able to provide Christmas.”
An endless supply of bags individually wrapped for needy children filled the First United Methodist Church of Kittanning Covenant Center last year and this past Wednesday during toy distribution. During both Christmas seasons, more than 800 children and teenagers benefited from local donations. (KP File Photo)
However, Imhoff also saw a joy come out of helping more than 700 children and 125 teenagers in 2015 – a family that gave back.
“They saved up all their quarters all year so that they were able to adopt two kids for Christmas and provide for them,” Imhoff said. “They were so excited when they came in because they were able to save a few hundred dollars in quarters – it was exciting because they wanted to show me everything they had picked out and they were thankful for what they had been given and what they had been blessed with before
“God is definitely good in and through it all!”
In addition to community donations via trees in local businesses, the Ford City Lions Club donated more than 700 toys to the Kittanning Salvation Army during the annual Joe Alese Toy Drive.
Armstrong Junior/Senior High School’s Leo Club collected more than a hundred toys as well since the end of November, according to co-advisor Erin Burkett.
“The last count we had was about 120 (toys), but they just kept bringing them in,” Burkett said. “Keeping them in my room, we couldn’t even keep up with how much.
“We were surprised, because we’ve had our (students) doing so much and donating so much. But, our community never disappoints,” Burkett added. “Our Leo’s are great and they really stepped it up.”
LEO Club President Katie Pyle contributed to the collection by donating Pillow Pets – including a pet that will project onto the ceiling for a lucky child.
Vice-President Abby Trithart and her two junior/senior high school siblings – 10th grader Hannah and eighth-grader Matthew – all brought in toys for those in need.
“Matt brought in a truck, I brought in little army men and I think Hannah brought in dolls,” Trithart said. “Just saw (the army men) on the shelf – thought they looked cool.”
Leo Club Treasurer Emily Hopper, a sophomore from Kittanning, estimated the toys donated collectively are worth up to about $1,000.
“There are some really nice toys, and we got a lot,” Hopper said. “We’re proud of everyone who brought in toys to help us.”
About 185 students in grades seven through 12 are part of the Leo Club – which is sponsored by the Ford City Lions.
West Shamokin Junior/Senior High Leo Club, West Hills Primary and Intermediate students also donated. Primary students collected donations during their December movie night, and Intermediate STUCO students contributed.
Lions Club King Lion Brad Baillie was proud of all the student assistance.
“What they did was up-and-beyond the call of duty. And you just can’t ask for anything more,” Baillie said. “And if you do ask for anything more, you’re greedy.
“Showing your heart, giving to those that don’t have – that’s what it’s all about.”
Before the distribution, Imhoff said the most-popular item requested was training-wheel bicycles.
The Kittanning Salvation Army also collected shoes for children through high school and distributed food baskets to families in financial hardship.
Applications are accepted until Christmas Eve.
“I still answer the phone on Christmas Eve, and I usually don’t leave when it’s time to go home,” Imhoff admitted. “The biggest reason is, one year I answered the phone Christmas Eve while were stationed in Ohio and it was a hospice care worker. I went shopping for the little boy, and the day after Christmas, his mother passed away.
“That’s why I do what I do.”
Children registered before the deadline usually receive four or five gifts.
More than 700 toys were donated to the Kittanning Salvation Army by way of the annual Joe Alese Toy Drive coordinated through the Ford City Lions Club. Toys were donated by Lions Club members as well as students from Armstrong Junior/Senior High, West Shamokin Junior/Senior High, West Hills Primary and West Hills Intermediate schools.
Local News | jweaver December 23, 2016
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