WAA makes Allentown more merry for holidays

ALLENTOWN - The afghans are in.

The Women's Association of Allentown (WAA) has received its holiday shipment of Allentown afghans. This year, the afghans are forest green, but the group also has some navy and cranberry blankets for sale as well.

"These afghans make a great Christmas present, especially for those who have lived or still live in the Allentown area," said Janice Schmitt, a member of the WAA. "What a special gift to give this year in celebration of the 300th anniversary of our town."

Afghans are available for purchase at Off the Wall Craft Gallery, located at 42 S. Main St. in Allentown, and the Allentown Public Library, located at 16 S. Main St.

The afghan sale and other fundraisers help the WAA continue to serve the Allentown area and community and other organizations such as the Allentown library, the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) book distribution program, the Good Neighbor Fund, the Allentown First Aid Squad and the Hope Fire Company, according to Schmitt.

Recent and current WAA activities include the annual blood drive, creating Thanksgiving baskets for those in need, lighting Allentown's Christmas tree and caroling.

The WAA's annual giving tree will be located at the Allentown post office. The community is asked to place new socks, hats, gloves, scarves and similar items on the tree for distribution to those in need.

The WAA's House Decoration Committee will again host a contest this season that will reward the Allentown residences that are deemed the best decorated for the holidays. Judging will take place Christmas week.

The WAA meets the second Monday of every month at the Allentown library and is always looking for new members.

Members enjoy an annual Christmas party in December, a Movie Night in January and a soup supper in February.

For more information about the afghans or about joining the WAA, call Janice Schmitt at (609) 259-2044.

- Jennifer Kohlhepp