The event, organized by the unit’s Soldier Readiness Support Group (SRSG) and an affiliated civilian volunteer group, took place at KBR Bingo and More on Piper Way in Lock Haven, and was attended by Soldiers and family members from throughout the commonwealth.

According to Jerri Young, the civilian volunteer group’s organizer, the Bingo fundraiser is an annual event that has raised over $10,000 in proceeds each year since the volunteer group’s inception in 2019.

Young, a Clinton County native and long-time area Realtor, said that she felt it was important to support the SRSG, noting that at the time she organized the civilian group, she had a family member serving in the Guard and saw the need.

According to Young, the annual Bingo fundraiser sees donations in the form of money, gift baskets and gift cards, and are received from individuals and local businesses alike, all of which are dispersed to the local SRSG and other SRSGs throughout Pennsylvania.

Brad Reider/For The Express Jerri Young serving treats to event-goers.

The civilian group is made up of an array of volunteers from various backgrounds which include those from the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary as well as retired service members.

Mary Peck is a volunteer with the group. A school receptionist from the Howard area, Peck says that supporting the troops is important to her.

“I’m helping out our future veterans,” said Peck, reflecting fondly on her father, a Navy veteran who recently passed away.

Natasha Carlew’s husband serves in the National Guard and is stationed in the Lock Haven area. Carlew volunteers with the civilian volunteer group along with Young and Peck.

“It’s a positive thing that helps in a lot of ways,” Carlew said, referring to the SRSG as well as the civilian volunteer group.

Brad Reider/For the Express Volunteer Don Young is pictured while preparing food for the event.

Carlew indicated that the proceeds from the fundraisers often go to families whose service members are deployed or away on extended training assignments, adding that the Bingo events are also a “good way for community members to get out and meet some of the Soldiers they are supporting.”

Young and Carlew both expressed appreciation for the numerous local businesses and individual donors that supported this year’s event, noting that it was expected to raise proceeds comparable to prior years.

While a date has yet to be set for next year’s Bingo event, Young said “it’s definitely on.”

To Learn How to Donate

If you’re interested in volunteering for the SRSG’s civilian volunteer group or would like to donate for future events, you can email Young at youngjerripsu@gmail.com or Carlew at langillenp@gmail.com.