Slowly but surely, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company continues to round back into form as it attempts to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This month alone, there have been takeout dinners with sellouts of over 300 each day, as well as a pizza sale in which nearly 600 unbaked pies were sold, according to Chris Lilly, president, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.

“It’s been difficult raising funds due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government regulations,” Lilly said. “But, thanks to all the wonderful people who have supported the fire company faithfully, they’ve had great success.”

While the fire company’s annual block party has been canceled, Lilly said the following activities are either underway or in the works:

• The cash drawing is still in progress, and anyone who received tickets should return them with payment to Lilly at 40 Second Ave., Lehighton. Anyone wishing to receive tickets may pick them up at Marzen’s Feed & Hardware, or call Lilly at 610-377-8573 and she will arrange for that to happen.

• The fire company auxiliary has scheduled another takeout dinner July 17. Orders must be placed by July 15 by calling Mary at 610-377-0755. Those who call should not leave their order on the answering machine; rather, leave a telephone number for a return call. Dinners will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis by advance order only. They will be offering a choice of baked haddock or chicken; macaroni and cheese or filling with gravy, served with green beans, pickled cabbage, bread & butter for $10.

• Bingo restarts at the fire company July 16. Doors open at 5 p.m., and bingo starts at 6 p.m. It will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, as participants will be required to wear a mask to enter, get their packages and order food while maintaining social distancing. Tables will be set up per CDC regulations. However, there will be no bingo Aug. 13.

• The fire company’s Annual Giant Yard Sale will be held Aug. 14-16. Residents may drop donations of gently used items at the fire company Aug. 3-4, and Aug. 10-11 between the hours of 6 to 8 p.m. They will not accept TVs or exercise equipment. They will accept used books, household items, artwork, (good, used) furniture, clothing, bedding, pillows, rugs, etc. Doors will open for the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14-15, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16. The kitchen will be open all day serving a la carte items from breakfast sandwiches to fries, burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, pizza and, of course, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water.

• The fire company is also working on its first-ever Franklin Fall Fling and a recycling event, though details have not yet been finalized.

Anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help at any of these events may contact Shirley Gross 610-377-4709 (kitchen); Diane Highland 610-377-2015 or Lilly 610-377-8573 (yard sale); or Jenn Hardy 570-778-5330 (bingo). Volunteers can help to set up/tear down tables by contacting Corey Guerra at 484-629-3071.