Eldred column

PVEN needs cereal and sneakers

Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network is low on food and funds. To help, St. Matthew's UCC is collecting cereal for the next few months, as well as donations of any nonperishable food item.

In addition to food, PVEN is having a sneaker drive for school age children for the upcoming school year. They must be mostly solid white or black, as per the Pleasant Valley School District dress code.

If you would like to donate, drop off your items at St. Matthew's during office hours, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or Sunday mornings from 8-11:30 a.m. or First Niagra Bank in Kresgeville during business hours.

Volunteers for VBS

St. Matthew's is still in need of volunteers for Vacation Bible School, the week of July 30-Aug. 3 from 9-11:30 a.m. for "Babylon, Daniel's Courage in Captivity."

Also, if you have children or grandchildren from the ages of preschool to high school, register them for this fun week of crafts, Bible stories, singing and games. If you would like to register or help, contact Amy Burger at (570) 574-3465.

Youth Group

St. Matthew's youth group is now meeting every Wednesday and Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. They are currently working on building sets for VBS. Youth group is for anyone from 5th -12th grades. If you have any questions, contact Norm Burger at (570) 574-3465.

Community charity project

Hunter Diehl is collecting clothing, coats and shoes for all ages until the end of the first week in August. Then on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Towamensing Fire House, anyone is welcome to come get a free bag of clothing. If you have anything you would like to donate, please drop off at St. Matthew's during office hours or Sunday morning worship hours. (See above.)

Chestnut Ridge Seniors

The Chestnut Ridge Seniors will meet on Thursday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at the Kunkletown Vol. Fire. Co. They will be celebrating Independence Day with hot dogs and sauerkraut. Bring a dessert. They will be playing Bingo.