Latrobe police hand out more gift cards after 2nd holiday donation

Latrobe officials were able to double up on the city’s holiday season gift-giving, thanks to a corporate donation.

During the week of Christmas, city police surprised community members in need, as well as some motorists who were pulled over for minor vehicle violations. Officers handed out $2,500 in Shop ‘n Save supermarket gift cards thanks to a donation by Latrobe chiropractor Dr. Anita Bigo.

The stopped motorists drove away with a gift card, not a traffic ticket.

The following week, according to Mayor Rosie Wolford, the city got a pleasant surprise of its own — another $2,500 worth of gift cards, this time redeemable for groceries at Giant Eagle locations.

Wolford said the second batch of cards was donated by U-Haul — presented by a company representative from Greensburg, apparently in response to the earlier card giveaway.

The police department once more distributed the cards.

“We gave them to the people we knew were in need,” Wolford told city council members this week. “It’s just a great thing. We helped a lot of people through the kindness and generosity of Dr. Bigo and the U-Haul organization.

“We’re really lucky we live in the community we do.”

Wolford said city officials want to repeat the distribution next holiday season, with continued community and corporate financial support.

“It’s definitely something we want to try to put together,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll be past the pandemic, and there won’t be as many people in need.”

Latrobe police previously partnered with local volunteers and donors to provide food assistance to those most affected by the pandemic.

In April, the department teamed with Latrobe-based Robindale Energy and others to provide food and household essentials to about 80 families that suffered wage loss because of pandemic-related restrictions on businesses.

“Any opportunity we get, we’re going to help those in need,” Police Chief John Sleasman said.