The Salvation Army Allentown Renovates Gymnasium Forging a New Bridge to Local Community
The sound of squeaking sneakers and bouncing basketballs at The Salvation Army’s 3rd Annual Red Hot Hoops Challenge sounded sweeter than usual, thanks to recent renovations at the Allentown Corps’ gymnasium.
Each year, the Allentown Corps organizes the Red Hot Hoops Challenge, a basketball shooting competition and fundraiser. Teams of four strive to score as many three-pointers from three shooting positions on the arc. The funds raised from this event support the Corps’ youth enrichment programs. This year’s challenge was one of the first events to benefit from the newly renovated gym, which was reopened in early February.
“It was great to have the first large-scale event with students and adults totaling over 120 people from within the community,” said Deirdre Govan, Resource Development Manager of The Salvation Army Allentown Corps. “It’s exactly the community event we envisioned – a brighter space with new floors and fully functioning bathrooms.”
The renovations were made possible by a $360,000 grant secured by former Pennsylvania Rep. Patrick M. Browne, who was honored at a grand reopening and ribbon cutting on February 8, 2024. Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk was also in attendance along with Sheila Alvarado, Legislative Assistant to State Rep. Peter Schweyer, and Major Tawny Cowen-Zanders, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division.
Together, they unveiled the renovations, including new gym floors, two updated backboards, fresh paint, and fully renovated showers and locker rooms. A fitness room, game room, and storage area were also created. The extra space allows the Allentown Corps to begin planning additional initiatives and events.
“We intend to kick-start a revised homeless shower program,” Govan said. “We are also working with P.A.S.S Hoops, a program that offers basketball training to high school students in the gym,” said Govan. “We have a local soccer program offering lessons to elementary and middle school students. We hope to have more community groups use the space.”
The gym is an important pillar of the Allentown community, providing a safe environment for youth and community members.
“Having our gymnasium restored provides adults and children with a safe space to engage in sports and recreational activities that foster healthy lifestyles, encourage healthy relationships, and community engagement,” said Allentown Corps Officer Major Ismael Correa. “It also gives us the opportunity to engage. After experiencing and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to have our doors open to the people of Allentown and bring hope and relief during difficult circumstances. We want The Salvation Army to be a bridge to our neighborhood.”