NEW CASTLE, Pa. – United Way of Lawrence County’s Share the Warmth blanket drive collected 515 blankets that will be distributed to families.
With rising utility costs and delays in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding, the initiative provides comfort to families in need during the winter season.
“We had delays in LIHEAP funding from the state, but our community has responded with incredible generosity,” said Gayle Young, executive director of United Way of Lawrence County.
New blankets were collected in November at several dozen sites in New Castle, Ellwood City and New Wilmington.
Student volunteers from the Shenango School District helped count, sort, package and distribute the blankets.
The blankets were given to the following local charities, which are distributing them to families: 1-2-1 Mentoring/Cray, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Children’s Advocacy Center, City Rescue Mission, ARISE, Holy Redeemer, Lawrence County Cares, People in Need, Salvation Army, local nursing homes and the Humane Society.
The annual drive, in its 20th year, is sponsored by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and the State Employee International Union.
Businesses and churches interested in supporting the program in the future can contact United Way of Lawrence County at 724 658 8528, or go to UWLawCty.org.
Pictured at top: Students from the Shenango School District sorted and distributed the blankets.