After the Venango Water Company sent out a notice to its Reno customers July 21 saying they were under a “do not consume” water advisory, the Reno Neighborhood Association announced a volunteer opportunity for community members.
Jessica Struthers, the chair of the neighborhood association, said Friday that 17 volunteers have expressed interest in helping out in the community, including distributing water in the evenings to residents who are unable to pick up their water on distribution days.
“I know there are some other groups that are planning on sending some people (to distributions) as well. I had quite a few people show up yesterday (Thursday) to help,” Struthers said Friday.
“They need to bring their water jugs with them, and we’ll check to see if they’re customers affected by the ‘do not consume’ advisory,” Struthers said.
Sugarcreek Borough mayor Charles McDaniel said at this week’s borough council meeting that monetary donations can be made directly to the Reno Volunteer Fire Department and the money will go toward “the refilling of that water tank.”
Struthers said Friday she is also working with the Bridge Builders Community Foundations organization to set up another way to donate to the same cause.
Some of those items can include “hand sanitizer, body wipes and more that will assist residents with hygiene and cleaning,” according to a Facebook post by the neighborhood association.
Donations through Bridge Builders can be made at bbcf.org.
Struthers said that after tonight’s distribution from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Reno fire hall that distributions are planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the fire hall the rest of August.
Anyone who would like their name added to the volunteer list may email renoneighborhood@gmail.com with their name, best contact (phone, text or email) and their availability.
The “do not consume” advisory for Venango Water customers in Reno remains in effect as officials continue to investigate a discharge from a brine storage tank uphill of the source for Venango Water that was identified July 20.
