CLEARFIELD – Members of the Clearfield Shrine Club announced their annual paper drive at Tuesday’s county commissioners’ meeting.
The paper drive will be held Friday and Saturday, June 2-3. Shriners will be accepting donations at Goodman’s IGA in Curwensville and Wal-Mart and J.G. Food Warehouse, both in Clearfield.
According to the Rev. Robert S. Ludrowsky, club secretary and treasurer, donations will benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners will also pass out information sharing the events of Shriners Hospitals throughout the United States.
He said in Pennsylvania, there are Shriners Hospitals in Erie and Philadelphia. He said that the Erie Shriners Hospital is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
Ludrowsky also noted that the Erie Shriners Hospital has entered into a unique partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
He said outpatient procedures are now being done in Erie. However, any inpatient procedures are being done in Pittsburgh. Children’s Hospital staff members also have office space in Erie.
“It’s a really nice arrangement,” he said. He went on to say that every year, 60-70 Clearfield County residents are helped by Shriners Hospitals.
“It’s really remarkable, and the nice thing about Shriners Hospitals is that money is never an object.”
Ludrowsky explained that any patient who doesn’t have the means or insurance can have everything tended to at a Shriners Hospital.
He also said that if a patient doesn’t have transportation, another Shriners group – The Roadrunners – will provide it for them and their family.
He said it costs $20 per second to keep the Shriners Hospital system in operation. He said the Shriners are very grateful for the support coming from within the community.
Ludrowsky said each year during the paper drive, a handful of people always share their Shiners Hospital stories. He said anyone in need may contact the Shriners Club for information.
More information is also available online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org or by phone at 800-237-5055.