Warwick townlively.com
JUNE 30, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXII • NO 20
Ferris Wheel Turns Used Clothing Into Compassion BY ANN MEAD ASH
ack in late 2013, Sherry Gassert’s husband sustained a head injury. During the first few months after that happened, a neighbor named Pharis helped Gassert’s family in myriad ways. “I wanted a way to repay him,” said Gassert, who decided to pay it forward and honor Pharis at the same time. By April of 2014, Gassert had started receiving donations for a nonprofit clothing bank in a Lititz neighborhood that came to be known as Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank. “We were going to focus on kids’ clothes,” said Gassert, who coordinates the bank with her daughter Steph Stiffler. However, the pair started to see the need for clothing for parents, as well as grandparents taking care of their grandchildren. From there, the bank mushroomed into providing household items, pots, pans, bedding, books, toys, personal care items, and, when a quick turnaround, furniture, which Gassert’s husband picks up in his truck. Children’s clothing starts with preemie sizes and ranges to 18 to 20.
Rappelling For A Cause: VisionCorps Sets Eye Drop 2021 BY FRANCINE FULTON
“There is no practice. Only determination,” said Chester County resident Natanya Sortland, who will rappel 10 stories on Friday, July 9, in support of Eye Drop 2021, VisionCorps’ signature fundraiser during which participants rappel 120 feet from the roof of the Holiday Inn in downtown Lancaster to the ground, after committing to a fundraising minimum. See Eye Drop pg 2
In addition to the clothing bank, a yearly book bag giveaway is held. “Last year, we (gave away) 150 book bags,” said Gassert, who noted that those wishing to receive a book bag must register ahead of time, but they need not live in the Warwick School District. According to Stiffler, donated backpacks can be new or in gently used condition. “We do a Christmas and an Easter event,” said Gassert. “Last year, because of COVID, we delivered 200 presents,” she noted, adding that she, her daughter, and her husband dressed as elves. The 2021 Easter giveaway served 40 children. Donated items that cannot be used for the clothing bank are given to other organizations. Gassert and Stiffler have devised a way to create shopping bags from old T-shirts so that no plastic is used to bag items for clients. See Ferris Wheel pg 4
Sherry Gassert (left) and her daughter Steph Stiffler organize gently used clothing items to be distributed to those in need through Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank.
Music In The Park
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Amphitheater Foundation Plans Concerts
Back With A Bang . . . . . . .3
BY ANN MEAD ASH
During 2020, the amphitheater at Long’s Park sat empty. For 2021, Dave Wauls, president of the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation, is looking forward to filling the venue with eight different bands. “Everybody is excited, and we anticipate bigger crowds,” said Wauls, who noted that the food trucks will be back for hungry concertgoers. Concerts are planned beginning Sunday, July 11. Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. each Sunday through Aug. 29.
Raising Puppies With A Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Pretzel Legacy . . . . . . . . .5
House Of Worship . . . . . . .9
See Music pg 8
Brad Zuke (left) and Dave Wauls are looking forward to the Long’s Park Concert Series that will be held on Sunday evenings in July and August.
TH 4 OF JULY FURNITURE & MATTRESS
Sales Event
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
JUNE 23rd - JULY 12th
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 30, 2021
Postal Patron
WAR B
B
Junior items are available, as well. For adults, sizes range up to 5X for women and 7X for men. “We have maternity, scrubs, and an athletic section,” said Gassert. Outerwear, bathing suits, and new underwear are also stocked. “(All clothing) is organized and sized,” said Gassert. “If I wouldn’t wear it or one of my grandchildren (wouldn’t wear it), we don’t hang it up,” she noted. Stiffler added that items are checked to be sure they are stain free. “We want people to shop with dignity,” said Gassert. “We don’t want them to have to root through bins.” The approximately 300 people who are served by the bank each month are referred through PA 211, the United Way, the organization’s Facebook page, the clothing bank’s website, personal reference, or social workers at local schools or with Lancaster General Health. “We allow 20 items of clothing per person, and there’s no time limit,” said Gassert, who noted that most clients are seen by appointment. In some situations, she will receive a request for clothing in a specific size, and she will pull together the items to be picked up.
SPECIAL FINANCING
for up to
12 MONTHS
With approved credit, see store for details.
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .9
GET UP TO
150
$
VISA PREPAID CARD with a qualifying mattress purchase
EPHRATA
NEW PROVIDENCE
1717 West Main St.
2318 Beaver Valley Pk.
(2 miles west of Ephrata on Route 322)) (1 mile north of Quarryville on Route 222)
717-721-3139 717-806-7373 www.martinfurniturepa.com
R073059
