More than 1,000 pounds of food donated to Westmoreland food bank from new casino

As the facility sits dark in compliance with mitigation orders aimed at stopping a surge of covid-19 cases across the state, officials with Live! Casino Pittsburgh took time to donate food, along with volunteer hours, to the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

“Just because we’re closed doesn’t mean we can’t help the good people in our community who need it most,” general manager Sean Sullivan said in a news release.

In all, officials with the recently opened casino in Hempfield’s Westmoreland Mall donated more than 1,000 pounds of food to the Delmont-based food bank, including 250 holiday hams. Employees volunteered to pack boxes that will be distributed to local families.

While the Westmoreland County Food Bank has received fewer donations compared with previous years, more have come in over the past few weeks. The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the Charley family Shop ’n Save stores, donated a $750 grocery store gift card to the food bank.

The Delmont Police Department also held their first food drive earlier this week to benefit the facility.

Westmoreland County Food Bank CEO Jennifer Miller attributed sparser donations this year to people following social distancing measures while also stockpiling food in case of another shutdown.

But with unemployment rates skyrocketing this year, more people have been in need of the services provided by the nonprofit.

“This truly is an unprecedented time in our mission to fight hunger,” Miller said.

Live! Casino Pittsburgh officially opened Nov. 24 featuring 750 slot machines and 30 table games. Weeks after its opening, Gov. Tom Wolf issued orders that closed indoor dining as well as entertainment facilities, including casinos, until Jan. 4.

“We’re doing everything we can to prepare for reopening and getting our team back to work,” Sullivan said. “(The employees’) continued focus on helping others is truly inspiring.”  

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