The game of bingo has been around for decades, but the John Kane Center Glen Hazel has put a bit of variety into its popular bingo parties.

Kane Glen Hazel held an Adopt-a-Bingo Party on Jan. 19. Family members, staff, volunteers or benefactors step up to “sponsor” the event. Sponsorship may range from donating prizes or money to purchase prizes to people making commitments to assist in the event.

“Types of prizes area really only limited by one’s imagination,” said Kathi Lindsley, Therapeutic Recreation Manager at Kane Glen Hazel. “We ask for 25 prizes per event and suggest dollar stores as a possible place for purchasing such prizes.”

Kane Glen Hazel has spiced up its bingo events in a number of ways. At Halloween, “Trick or Treat Bingo” had residents pick either tricks or treats out of a great pumpkin during the game.

While the monetary figures were mostly symbolic, “Cash Bingo Night” handed winners envelopes containing $1, $2 or $4. In September, “Lunchbox Bingo” prizes included food items typically packed into school lunch boxes. “Cover-up Bingo” distributed handmade lap robes as prizes, “Black and Gold Bingo” prizes were wrapped in black and gold crepe paper in honor of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and “Safari Bingo” included stuffed animals as prizes and was a great way to involve children in the event.

“Our goal is to add variety and some creativity to the traditional bingo game,” Lindsley said. “We hope this keeps our residents interested and provides them a great time. The special themes have been popular with the residents, staff, visitors and sponsors.”

Bingo events usually last for about an hour. Kane Glen Hazel always is looking for additional bingo sponsors.

For more information contact Kathi Lindsley,Therapeutic Recreation Manager at Kane Glen Hazel , at 412.422.6919.