Miracle on Main Street returns
ZELIENOPLE — Miracle on Main Street returns for a third year Dec. 5 to Zelienople.
The event is scheduled to run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 with a light-up parade set for 5:30 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. reading of “The Night Before Christmas” on the Kaufman House balcony.
The event will also feature free horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, strolling carolers, a live Nativity scene, ice-carving and a chance to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus.
The event will also promote charitable giving during the holiday season.
Benefits planned to run during the Miracle on Main include a children's coat drive, the collection of toiletries for homeless women, a furniture giveaway and a food drive for children's backpack programs.
“The purpose is to bring hope for children,” said the event organizer Donna Ziegler.
Miracle on Main collects and distributes new or almost-new children's coats. Ziegler said the coats are collected at Zelienople businesses and at the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church, 123 N. Pittsburgh St.
Adding to the coat collection this year is the gathering of gloves, mittens and individually wrapped food for children who may not have access to these necessities at home.
Backpacks filled with necessary items will be distributed in area schools in hidden packages so the young recipients won't feel embarrassed.
Another collection event — Pack a Purse — distributes toiletry-packed purses to the Victim Outreach Intervention Center, Light of Life Women's Shelter and a ministry that rescues women from trafficking. Last year 120 purses were given out.
Miracle on Main will also feature a six-piece living room set giveaway. Individuals can suggest families n need by using a nomination form available at Roach & Ziegler Interiors and on Miracle on Main's Facebook and Web pages.
Over the years, 16 families have received new furniture as a result of donations and nominations.
Beyond helping people, Miracle on Main promotes businesses who give back to the community by helping out during the event.
“Every business is doing something special with giveaways or free refreshments,” said Ziegler.
WHAT: Miracle on Main StreetWHEN: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 with a light up parade at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. reading on the Kaufman House balcony of "The Night Before Christmas"WHERE: Main Street in ZelionopleWHAT: Free horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, strolling carolers, a live Nativity, ice carving and decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus
