Oakmont Historical Society to Collect Pancake Batter for Soldiers

Anyone visiting the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce Street Sale on Saturday should consider stopping by the supermarket to pick up pancake batter.

That's because members of the Oakmont Historical Society—in a booth near Delaware Avenue—will be collecting items for soldiers stationed overseas.

Gary Rogers, president of the historical society, said members immediately jumped on board when they heard about the "Pancakes for Soldiers" fundraiser, sponsored by Military Connections, a Pittsburgh organization that provides supplies and support to military troops.

The "Pancakes for Soldiers" supports the efforts of Army Chaplain Rod Gilliam, who is stationed at FOB Farah in Afghanistan. He travels to dangerous and desolate outposts to visit soldiers with his George Foreman grill.

During his visits, Gilliam makes pancakes for the soldiers—more than 700 troops each week.

"He's serving the community over there, and we like to serve the community here," Rogers said. "We thought, 'Why not collect for them?'"

The Oakmont Historical Society will collect food and cash donations at the street sale. Items needed are: Krusteaz and Bisquick pancake mixes, peanut butter, cooking oil, syrup, precooked bacon and baby wipes.

Donations also are being accepted at the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce office, 504 Allegheny River Blvd. in Oakmont; by contacting Military Connections, 312 Auburn St. in Penn Hills; or at www.militaryconnections.org.

Rogers said it's hard to tell how much the historical society will collect because it's the first year, but he hopes the fundraiser is successful.

"We'll see what we can come up with," he said. "We're looking to have a nice donation for these soldiers."

All donations are tax deductible.