Heidelberg firefighters are donating all their proceeds from this Thursday night’s Bingo to the family of the Chartiers Valley High School freshman killed in a car accident last month.

Heidelberg fire Chief Joe Wissel Jr. said 15-year-old Scotty Katonka volunteered to work the games earlier this year, so the department wanted to do something to help his family.

Scotty, who lived in Heidelberg, died on June 20 when the car he was riding in crashed in Collier Township. Four other minors in the car also suffered injuries in the single-car crash.

“He was such a good kid, such a nice kid,” Wissel said. “It’s such a shame.”

Wissel said Scotty spent about 55 hours from January to April selling Bingo cards and raffle tickets for public service. Many of the regular Bingo players got a chance to know him and were devastated upon hearing of the accident, Wissel said.

“It’s just a great neighborhood and everyone is trying to help the family get through this,” Wissel said. “No matter what we can do, help them get through this.”

Wissel thinks the tragedy opened the eyes of the department’s junior firefighters, many of whom knew Scotty.

“They were all friends with Scotty,” Wissel said. “It’s really opened their eyes as far as seat belt use. It could happen to anyone. It’s important those kids realize now they’re not invincible.”

Thursday night Bingo opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. and begins at 7 p.m. Wissel said they’re hoping to have as many as 300 players so they they’ll be able to donate as much money to the family as possible.

Click here for more information about Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department’s Bingo night.

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