The National Alliance on Mental Health is offering free Family to Family classes for residents of Schuylkill County. The 12-week course, for which sessions go at 6 p.m. Thursdays through April 25, is for family members and caregivers, 18 and older, of people living with a mental health condition. The sessions are held in Conference Room B at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. The effort, according to a release, is an opportunity for families to gain information, insight, understanding and empowerment. All material is provided free. For more information or to register, call 570-527-0002 or 267-414-4870.
The Shenandoah Valley High School Student Council is conducting a drive to provide members of the United States military with various items that would not necessarily be available at their deployment locations around the world. The collection drive is sponsored by “Operation Gratitude,” a nonprofit group that ships more than 200,000 care packages to men and women currently serving in the military, according to a release from Robert C. Yudinsky, school district public relations director. The students assume the responsibility for the collection, packaging and shipment of the items collected. They call the project “Helping Our Heroes” and are collecting items not only for currently deployed military members, but also for their families, wounded and discharged veterans and first responders. Anyone wishing to help can do so by dropping off any of the listed items to various collection spots located throughout the community. Items being sought include all-purpose wipes (single and 30-count packs or less), batteries (AA and/or AAA), deodorant (travel size, non-aerosol), drink mix (individual serving packets), gum, hand warmers, jerky (individual bags), lip balm, pencils (mechanical preferred size), playing cards, powder (travel size), puzzle books (7-by-10-inch), socks (black crew length), sunscreen (travel size, non-aerosol). Dropoff sites include the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, Vernalis’ Restaurant, the four Shenandoah banks (BB&T, Santander, First National and M&T), the Shenandoah Valley High School and elementary administrative offices, Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop, The Pizza Shop, Jean’s News Stand, Lucky’s Deli, the Downtown Shenandoah Inc. office and, in Pottsville, the Schuylkill Transportation System terminal at Union Station. Donations will be accepted until the end of February, when items collected will be packaged and mailed to Operation Gratitude. Any financial contributions will be used to offset the cost of shipping. Checks should be made payable to: SV Student Council. For more information, call Anthony Pytko, student council adviser, at 570-462-1957.
Fitness and safety are the focuses of programs on the spring agenda at the Tamaqua Salvation Army building, 150 W. Broad St. Fall prevention workshops will measure a participant’s fall risk through a variety of screenings and show people what they can do to reduce risks. The program, which will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 15 and 18, has no fee and includes a course booklet. To register in advance by April 12, call 570-624-3017.
Grand slam bingo is set for 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Tremont Firehouse to benefit the Pine Grove Area Lady Cardinals Softball Team. Tickets are $35 each. There will be 20 games of bingo, specials and raffles. For tickets or more information, call 570-449-7949.