Paree Insurance Centers are teaming up with West Liberty University, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, and the Triadelphia Walmart to collect donations and raise awareness for their Keep Wheeling Warm campaign.
On Friday, January 6th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. there will be a Donation Drive at the Triadelphia Walmart. Warm clothing items, gloves, shoes, hygiene items, hand warmers, scarves, and more will be collected to fill the Panhandle truck.
On Saturday, January 7th there will be an Awareness Basketball Game at 2 p.m. at West Liberty University as the WLU Women’s Basketball team plays against Glenville State. Men’s game to follow. Bring a donation and receive a free t-shirt while supplies last.
If you cannot make an event, but would like to donate, donations can be dropped off at any Paree Insurance Center location through Jan. 6th:
– 306 Kruger St. Wheeling, WV
– 1213 Lafayette Ave, Moundsville, WV
– 52327 National Rd. East, St. Clairsville, OH
“Tom Paree, the owner of Paree Insurance Centers, is always ready to jump in and help his community,” said Lisa Bucon of Paree Insurance. “Back in 2018, Youth Services System was asking for donations for their Winter Freeze Shelter and Tom thought we could make a difference. Our entire agency rallied behind the idea and the response was overwhelming.
Chris Bucon, Vice-President of Paree Insurance and “Development Coordinator” for West Liberty University Women’s Basketball Team, took the idea to partner with us to Coach Kyle Cooper. Coach Cooper and Coach Seth jumped right in and have supported the idea from the beginning. They designate an Awareness Women’s game every year, where we accept donations and promote awareness. After the Donation Drive and Awareness game, the Paree Agency and West Liberty Team deliver donations to YSS. Tammy Kruse, YSS CEO, has started a new tradition where she gives a tour of the facility and talks about how they serve our community. This has become very impactful for all involved to see how the donations and YSS efforts can impact the community. Last year, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration jumped on board with us and generously donated their time and effort by working the donation drive and lending their truck and trailer for the collection. It has simply blossomed from there. This year Walmart graciously agreed to join us. We are so lucky to be able to team up with an amazing group of people and also live in such a responsive community.
“We’re beyond excited to continue our partnership with YSS, Panhandle, and Paree Insurance Centers as we work to impact our community through the Keep Wheeling Warm Campaign,” said WLU Women’s Basketball Coach Kyle Cooper. “Our West Liberty Women’s Basketball Family is about so much more than just basketball and this initiative is a great example of what it means to give back and serve the community that we’re so lucky to have the support of here on the Hilltop”
Donated items will be given to local non-profit Youth Services System, Inc. to be sorted and placed in their Sophie Moses Free Store for anyone in the community to browse and take what they need for free. To schedule a browsing or donation appointment, please call YSS at 304-233-9627.
