Monessen police, SPHS unite for back-to-school drive
Latest News
July 30, 2019

Monessen police, SPHS unite for back-to-school drive

By Mon Valley Independent

By EMILY BENNETT

ebennett@yourmvi.com

“Work smarter, not harder” is a workplace philosophy Monessen Police chief Jim Smith likes to employ. That’s why he decided to merge efforts with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Family Center in Monessen to make this year’s back-to-school supply drive bigger and better than ever. 

“You get a lot more accomplished in life when you aren’t worrying about who gets the credit,” Smith said.

Along with SPHS workers, Monessen police are making an effort to gather school supplies to give to local families in need. This year marks the first annual Pack a Patrol Car event, but SPHS is a veteran in the campaign, having two years under its belt. The supplies drive is complete with a catchy name and an interesting objective — fill the backseats and trunk of a police SUV with school supplies. 

“We’re accepting donations to fill up the back of one of those big SUVs with school supplies as well as supplies that teachers might need in their rooms,” Smith said. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

Newcomers, regulars welcome Riverfest
Latest News, Main
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
July 25, 2026
The annual celebration in Elizabeth continues today with a full schedule of events. Elizabeth’s Riverfest got off to a lively start Friday night, with vendors, games and a live music performance from ...
Smoke may return to Valley next week
Latest News, Main
By By HALEY MORELAND TribLive 
July 25, 2026
Wildfire smoke from the west could turn Mon Valley skies hazy again. The smoke that clouded Pittsburgh’s skies last week may return as wildfire smoke in Oregon and Washington mixes with smoke from the...
Former Charleroi official seeing the U.S. after retiring
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
July 25, 2026
Roberta Doerfler and her husband, former Mayor Gregg Doerfler, traveled more than 5,000 miles through the Great Plains. Retirement has taken Roberta Doerfler exactly where she hoped it would. Just day...
Paving schedule approved
Latest News, Main
CARROLL TOWNSHIP
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
July 25, 2026
Several Carroll Township roads are set to receive upgrades this summer as township supervisors move forward with the 2026 paving program. During their July 7 meeting, supervisors awarded the paving co...
Many Pa. libraries are evolving into community centers. Why is their funding staying flat?
Around The Valley, Latest News
By By SUSAN SHELLY MCGOVERN For Spotlight PA 
July 25, 2026
Libraries have expanded their services to offer game nights, health services and more. But the programming comes with costs they increasingly can’t afford, and funding sources fluctuate. As funding re...
McKeesport police seek missing person
Around The Valley
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
July 25, 2026
The City of McKeesport Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Frank Olds, a 70-year-old Black male who has been reported missing and is considered endangered. Olds was last seen...