TREX benches, crafted from recycled plastic, are being placed in local neighborhoods by members of the Parkesburg Lions Club as a tribute to people who have served the community.

Most recently, a bench was dedicated in memory of Nancy Ballner of Paradise on May 8 at Westminster Place at Parkesburg.

Although she was not a club member, Ballner helped the Lions Club with many community projects, including its annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, and with food drives for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC).

"Nancy was a friend of the Parkesburg Lions. She helped us with fundraisers," said Lions president Robin McKenna. "(She was) such a sweet lady."

The bench is located behind Westminster at 320 W. First Ave., Parkesburg.

The Lions Club plans to continue placing benches in the community. Those who would like to donate plastics may find drop-off containers at the following locations: Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg; Fulton Bank, 100 W. First Ave., Parkesburg; Gabe's Pizza Place, 428 W. First Ave., Parkesburg; and Pine Creek Animal Hospital, 150 Pine Creek Drive, Gap.

Items suitable for donation include produce bags, grocery store bags, ice bags, resealable bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags and bubble wrap. All items must be clean.

Since it began collecting plastics in 2021, the Lions Club has placed several benches in the area. A bench in front of the Parkesburg VFW, 406 W. Fourth Ave., was dedicated to the late Joann Carmen, who was instrumental in running the Parkesburg VFW for many years.

Another bench in front of the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, was dedicated to the late Thaddeus "Bud" Wilde. There is also a bench near the bus stop at the Parkesburg Free Library, which was dedicated to the late Jim Norton, a longtime Lion and a member of the Parkesburg Library Board.

A community bench was dedicated at Dyer's Deli, located at 5739 W. Lincoln Highway, Parkesburg, to honor the late Charlie Scott, a lifelong resident of Parkesburg and longtime member of the Parkesburg Lions Club.

A bench at the OAFC, 714 Main St., Parkesburg, was dedicated to Judy Dougherty, who retired in 2024 after serving the pantry as director for 18 years.

Finally, a bench was placed on the playground of the Octorara Elementary School to serve as a "buddy bench." The bench is available for students who are seeking a buddy to spend time with.

The Parkesburg Lions Club is always looking for new members. Prospective members are invited to attend a club meeting. Meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Parkesburg Baptist Church, 103 West St., Parkesburg. When meetings are held at different locations, information is posted on its Facebook page.

For more information about the club and its activities, search for the "Parkesburg Lions Club - New and Improved" Facebook page. Prospective members are also asked to message the club on Facebook or contact McKenna at 484-247-4080.