Monessen next stop for Small Towns, Big Hearts

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A volunteer group started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is living up to its name.

Small Towns, Big Hearts, a group of local volunteers led by Fallowfield Township residents Michele Vidnjvich-Zitz and Lisa Bellantoni, is heading to Monessen.

Sponsored by Barchemy in the Donora Industrial Park, the group has delivered food in three Mon Valley communities so far.

Vidnjvich-Zitz said donations will be collected at the Monessen Civic Center beginning Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. Food will be collected each day through Friday.

The Monessen distribution is set for June 13, but will work differently than previous events.

“We are gearing up for something a little different this time,” Vidnjvich-Zitz said. “This time we are looking to make different boxes and bags to be passed out at various locations with help of Capt. Sue Thwaite of the Salvation Army.”

Bags with juice boxes, cereal, macaroni and cheese and other snacks will be passed out to area children.

Residents will be able to “shop” for toiletries they need from a food distribution truck provided by the Salvation Army, and food bags will be handed out at two senior citizen centers.

“We are not setting up shop per se, but we will be driving to these locations so residents do not have to worry about getting a ride,” she said.

They will park at the Monessen High Rise at 9 a.m. and then move throughout the city to each manor and Rostraver Apartments.

Vidnjvich-Zitz said the group has a greater-than-ever need for donations as it hopes to help 250 families in Monessen.

“We are in desperate need of donations for this one, and it is more short notice than the others,” she said. “Mayor (Matt) Shorraw and Capt. Sue (Thwaite) have been so helpful putting this together.”

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