Local teams unite to aid hurricane victims
Jamie Ross of Venetia knows what it is like to lose almost everything. At the end of July, her home was flooded. The basement was submerged in 3 feet of water after a storm dropped a few inches of rain onto the ground.
“We lost everything,” she said.
The family had to replace the water tank, heater, washer and dryer – even the beloved Christmas decorations. Thank goodness, she said, the basement is unfinished.
So it was with compassion and eagerness that Ross and her daughter, Katie, along with several other concerned citizens of Peters Township, took up a collection immediately after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas. The first fundraiser was so successful – more than three pallets of supplies were collected – that another was held Sept. 8 before Peters Township hosted rival Bethel Park in football.
Vivian Merideth, whose daughter, Olivia, is a cheerleader, joined forces with Heather and Brian Matthews. The McMurray couple, who also have a daughter, Morgan, on the cheerleading squad, own and operate Progressive Mobility and Medical on Cameron Road in Washington.
In addition to lending trucks to load supplies gathered from the fundraiser, they donated red T-shirts designed for the cause. Proceeds from the 125 shirts sold at $10 each were donated to the hurricane relief cause.
“We sprang into action,” Heather Matthews said. “We thought it was a great way to get involved in the community and help those people who have suffered so much.”
In comparison to what she has gone through, Ross added, “I can’t imagine what it’s like going through that. They lost everything.”
From paper products to diapers, from food stocks to cleaning supplies, Sharon Rogers of Bethel Park dropped off more than a dozen bags filled with “essentials” before the game. The Bethel Park Football Boosters donated more than $250 worth of supplies.
“This is a great way for neighboring communities to get together, pitch in and help in the relief efforts,” Rogers said. “It’s not much because they need so much, but it’s a great way to show support for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. We hope it helps boost their morale and raises their spirits knowing people care.”
The efforts will continue when Bethel Park holds another fundraiser Friday to benefit victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Cheerleaders will collect donations of canned food, clothes, shoes and socks, toiletries, blankets, diapers, baby formula and baby food, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, bottled water, pet food, cleaning products, flashlights/batteries and cash.