By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

DALLAS TWP. — Balance Yoga and Wellness will hold a yoga class Thursday, Jan. 28 at Misericordia University to benefit the Catherine McAuley House.

The fundraiser aims to raise a portion of the $7,500 needed to renovate the playground and construct a storage shed at the Catherine McAuley House in Plymouth.

The Catherine McAuley House is a nonprofit shelter designed to assist women and their children to leave emergency situations, such as domestic violence, and live independently, said Caleigh Pedriani, a member of the McAuley House Kids Group.

“A lot of the residents are in hiding and cannot go to public playgrounds,” Pedriani said. “We want to redesign the play area in the backyard to create a fun and safe place and to provide a sense of normalcy for the children.”

Balance Yoga and Wellness in Forty Fort has teamed up with Leadership Wilkes-Barre and Misericordia University in Dallas Township to develop the idea for the fundraiser.

“It will be a nice time on a cold night to offer good intentions to the residents of McAuley House,” Pedriani said.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 in Insalaco Hall at Misericordia University. A participation fee of $10 per students and $15 for the public is required. All proceeds will benefit the McAuley House, Pedriani said.

Donations are accepted for the playground project and may be sent to Leadership Wilkes-Barre, 4 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Pedriani said donors should note the donation is for the McAuley House Kids.

Other items and services needed for the playground project are as follows:

• Gift cards from Home Depot, Lowes, Toys “R” Us or any hardware store;

• Site preparation and landscaping;

• Plants and grass seed;

• Benches and outdoor seating;

• Storage racks for bikes and other outdoor toys;

• Shed for storage of furniture;

• Gas grill;

• Basketball hoop.

For more information on the McAuley House Kids playground project, email McAuleyHouseKids@gmail.com.

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.