Eight years ago a few men came together, recognizing that the community was in desperate need of a change. With Black on Black crime on the rise, gang violence at its peak, and the statistics of African Americans being thrown behind bars; something had to be done. Which is why the community organization, Oldtimers, was established in 2007. The first meeting was held on March 16, 2007, and since then the rest has been history.
President and Founder of the Oldtimers Scrappy Bulls said, “Oldtimers exist to bring the people together. There is too much anger and division among our young people, and through Oldtimers we promote unity and peace. Our goal is to bring people together in a positive way, and we have been successful in doing so over the years.”
Recently, the Oldtimers held one of their annual holiday events. On Dec. 21, at the Neville Island Roller Dome, they held a Christmas Skating Party for children on the North Side. Children K-8 were able to attend.
There were 125 children/families in attendance. The Oldtimers gave out 40 gift baskets, Toys “R” Us gift certificates, Steeler jerseys, and stuffed animals. The children entered a raffle, and had an opportunity to choose which gift they wanted. While all the young children received stuffed animals.
“I hate to brag, but I think Oldtimers is the best organization in Western Pennsylvania,” Bulls said.
Gifts were distributed to the children in the community who lived in low income housing.
While the annual holiday skating party was a success, the Oldtimers still had much to do within the community. During the same weekend as the skating party, the Oldtimers passed out food to low income struggling families and senior citizens. the Oldtimers traveled throughout the North Side, door to door, providing homes with hams, turkeys and canned goods. The Oldtimers fed 150 families and were able to do so with the help/sponsorship of Pittsburgh Community Food Services Inc.
Vice President of the Oldtimers English Burton said, “Every year, Oldtimers as an organization and our neighborhood events get bigger and better. We are honestly doing everything we can to enhance the community, and bring our people together. Taking part in these events, and helping those around me touches my heart every time. It never gets old. We love what we do.”
Every year, the Oldtimers have a year full of events and festivities. Praise in The Park takes place every summer. A Bike Give-A-Way will be held in August along with a Justice March and a Book bag/School Supplies Give-A-Way. The the Oldtimers are in the midst of putting classes together to encourage African Americans to further their education and learn skills.
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