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Community project provides winter essentials to needy kids

BURNHAM — Jason Renno knew their community members in need of the winter basics, like coats, socks and shoes, he just didn’t know there were that many.

Renno, general manager for Blaise Alexander Subaru of Lewistown, located in Burham, said last year’s inaugural Operation Warmth helped at least 150 kids locally.

“Everybody knows someone in need,” Renno explained. “But it doesn’t hit you until you’re there.”

For this year’s event, Blaise Alexander partnered with the Juniata Valley YMCA to distribute the items to kids in need. On Thursday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., the YMCA, located at 105 First Ave., Burnham, will be giving out the free coats, socks and shoes to kids in the community.

The event is part of the vehicle manufacturer’s “Subaru Loves to Help” campaign. For a promotional photo Blaise Alexander and YMCA employees and volunteers sports bright blue “Subaru Loves to Help” t-shirts.

The Mifflin County dealership purchased new coats, socks and shoes in a variety of colors and sizes and brought them to the YMCA, which will distribute them on Feb. 6.

They also set up a bin last year for individuals to dispose of their old garments, which filled up quickly. Many of which were worn out and not providing warmth to their owners.

“It’s amazing,” Renno said of lending a helping hand to the community. “You never know how many people are in need. It was filled with old coats that were worn out and couldn’t have been used.

Renno said Blaise Alexander and Subaru are dedicated to supporting those who need it the most in their communities.

From working with Operation Warm to provide new clothing to families who urgently need it and donating food to Feeding America to helping Meals on Wheels deliver meals to seniors and supporting the American Red Cross in disaster response, they believe communities get stronger when everyone is cared for.

Coats and shoes available to children in Snyder County

The Union-Snyder Community Action Agency (CAA) is teaming up with W&L Subaru, of Northumberland, to hold an Operation Warmth event to provide new winter coats, athletic shoes and socks for children in need.

Coat sizes ranging from 2T to adult medium and shoe sizes from children’s 11 to youth 7 are available. All children must be pre-registered and present at the Jan. 23 event to receive items, and all are eligible regardless of where they live.

To register, visit https://forms.gle/vZ9j1vfEgKtpEMPB7; or contact CAA at info@union-snydercaa.org or (570) 374-0181 for more information.

All items will be available for pickup from 3 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 in the CAA office, located at 713 Bridge St., Selinsgrove.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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