The West Penn Lions Club held its annual Hero Award donations Wednesday evening at the West Penn Township Park on Zion Stone Church Road, New Ringgold.

West Penn Lions Club President Tina Dougherty introduced special guest Kayley Kovac, a physical therapist from St. Luke’s Physical Therapy, to talk to about the services offered at the facility on routes 309 and 895 in West Penn Township.

Dougherty said the doctors and staff at St. Luke’s Physical Therapy are welcoming, friendly and provide “personalized care focusing on each patient’s individual needs.”

Then Kovac spoke about a home online home exercise program that is available and provides exercise videos and tracking to help gauge personal progress.

The West Penn Lions have been celebrating the community’s heroes for more than 25 years.

The Hero Awards were created to acknowledge these local heroes who work countless hours within our community.

This year, the Hero Donations grew to $7,350. The monetary gift donations are made possible through the Lions fundraisers: chicken and pulled pork bbq, cash bingo and lottery calendars.

The following organizations were in attendance and were called individually to receive their Hero Award donations: Cub Scout Pack #777 Tamaqua, $350; Boy Scouts of America Troop #756 Andreas Sporting Club, $250; Cub Pack #756 Andreas Sporting Club, $250; Penn Mahoning Ambulance, $1,000; Tamaqua Adult Day Care Center, $500; Tamaqua Public Library, $500; West Penn Township Community Park, $2,000; Tamaqua Salvation Army Service Center, $500; West Penn Community 4H Club, $500; West Penn #1 Fire Company, $1,000; West Penn Township Police, DARE Program, $500.