Beginning Thursday, the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association will serve as a donation drop-off location for people in need throughout the area.

“We will be accepting winter supplies, canned food, drinks, and medical supplies to help those who may be struggling,” according to a post on the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association’s Facebook page.

The association asked everyone to note that this is a donation drop-off location, along with a pickup location only.

“The supplies unfortunately cannot be delivered due to unforeseen circumstances,” the post states. “If you know someone in need of assistance, you are welcome to come pick up donations for them. No judgment. No questions. Just neighbors helping neighbors. Let’s work together, look out for one another, and be a community.”

Paul Waddell Jr., director of operations, Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association, explained why they are collecting donations for those in need.

“In prior years, we have done donation drives for a variety of causes,” Waddell said. “We noticed that there are many populations in need. We decided to generalize this. This is so that anyone who is in need can have a little extra support, and know that there are people that care.”

Waddell noted, “There’s currently a very large demand for public assistance. The area has a consistently growing homeless population. A lot of people are aware of the current population living along the D&L trail.

“We’re also seeing a growing number of people who are living in their cars. Some of those folks do work locally, but it’s simply not enough to cover all the expenses that can come with life.”

Waddell added, “We have an awesome team that helped organize and launch this.”

He said anyone looking to assist can drop their donations off at the station at 902 Mill Road, Lehighton.

Waddell said they’re currently launching two programs.

He said one donation bin will be inside located next to their ATM. The bin will be for the local Give a Gobbler program designed to support meals for veterans around the holidays. Nonperishable food items are the best option for this, and can easily be accessed any Friday evening during bingo hours. Additionally, the bins will be at the Mahoning Township Building and the Mahoning Valley Fire Company. The drive will be available until delivery day on Nov. 18.

The second drive, Waddell said, is being labeled as “No Questions Asked.” That bin will be weather resistant and will be located outside their double glass doors. Any member of the general public can place items into the bin. Anyone can also help themselves to anything in this bin, No Questions Asked.

That drive will continue until the winter weather subsidies. The best items for this would be nonperishable foods, feminine products, winter gloves, beanies, socks, etc.