BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
814 Lanes & Games in Richland Township is helping local nonprofits in a unique way.
Each quarter the business's team picks a charity to benefit from proceeds of the "Charity Crane," located just inside the bowling alley and gaming center.
By taking a chance at winning a prize with skill on the crane, patrons help a nonprofit at work in the community. The United Way of the Laurel Highlands was the charity of choice during the first quarter of 2022.
The effort raised $741, which will be used to help the organization fund programs in health and human services, supporting families in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
The organization's core work is early childhood development, parental engagement and youth drug and alcohol prevention. Last year the United Way helped more than 58,000 people, a 40% increase from the previous year.
Chris Hogue, 814 Lanes & Games partner, said 100% of Charity Crane proceeds are donated.