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local volunteer fire department is raising funds for one of its own, and a five-week Lenten series kicks off this week in western Kanawha County. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Pinch, St. Albans and Belle.
FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER: A local fire department is raising money to help one of its own. Recently, representatives with the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department created a social media post announcing a fundraiser for firefighter and EMT Halle Schafer, who was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The neurological disorder affects the immune system, causing the body to attack its own nerves. “Halle is facing a challenging road to recovery, but if you know her, you know she’s strong, determined, and a fighter in every sense of the word,” department officials wrote. Volunteers are selling “Halle Strong” shirts to help support Schafer and her family with medical expenses and recovery costs. Shirts, which start at $20 and come in various sizes and styles, can be ordered online. Orders will be accepted through March 1 and will be shipped through USPS.
LENTEN SERIES: The St. Albans Ministry Alliance is offering a five week ecumenical Lenten Series beginning Feb. 25. The series, which takes place each Wednesday at noon, features a worship service followed by a luncheon. This Wednesday’s program kicks off at St. Francis of Assissi Church, 525 Holley St. Subsequent meetings will be held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 815 Kanawha Terrace, on March 4; First Presbyterian Church, 201 Kanawha Terrace, on March 11; Gateway Christian Church, 422 B St., on March 18; and St. Peter United Methodist Church, 2601 Forrestal Ave., on March 25. More information is available on the St. Albans Ministry Alliance Facebook page.
EGG HUNT: Riverside High School will hold its third annual Egg Hunt for students on Thursday, March 26, but organizers say they need your help to make it a success. In a social media post, Riverside science teacher Tara Veazey said the school has 12,000 plastic eggs for the event, but volunteers need candy, prizes, and other small gifts to fill the eggs for students. Organizers are requesting donations of candy, gift cards, cash, and other age-appropriate items, and hope to offer a few eggs with larger prizes in the mix. “Last year we were able to have prize eggs that included laptops, Apple pencils, AirPods, Stanley cups, gift cards, mini fridges, items for dorm rooms, prom tickets, pedicures, hair cuts, and so much more,” Veazey wrote. Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to send items to Riverside High School. For more information, email Riverside teacher Emily Bowles at emilybowles@mail.kana.k12.wv.us or Veazey at tveazey@mail.kana.k12.wv.us.
