CAN DO, a Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) for Luzerne County, has announced the newly released interest rates from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan programs.

SBA 504 and PIDA are two revolving loan funds that assist in the growth of businesses of all sizes in Pennsylvania. They provide long-term, low-interest rate loans to eligible businesses that commit to creating and/or retaining full-time jobs. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to, land and building costs, machinery and equipment costs, refinancing of existing commercial real estate and/or equipment debt and working capital.

Operation CAN DO concludes 2019 driveMembers of the CAN DO Student Action Committee and Freeland American Legion Post 473 joined forces earlier this month to deliver dozens of boxes with items for military care packages to the Legion’s facility as part of the 15th annual Operation: CAN DO drive.

The items will be used to create care packages for military service members with ties to Greater Hazleton who will be stationed abroad for the holidays. Names and addresses of service members are still being accepted. Family members and friends can submit the contact information via mail to CAN DO, c/o Nancy Stasko, 1 S. Church St., 200 Renaissance Center, Hazleton, PA 18201, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CAN DO Christmas planning 2019 Downtown Hazleton will come alive with the sounds of the season when the CAN DO Student Action Committee hosts its 27th annual CAN DO Community Christmas on Wednesday, December 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Church and Green streets in Hazleton.

The public is invited to attend this free event, which features a night of musical entertainment by various instrumental and choral groups from schools throughout Greater Hazleton. This year’s performers include the MMI Preparatory School Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Tina Lizbinski, the Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Joseph Stefanko, the Hazleton Area High School Cougar Crooners under the direction of Kim Sharonoff, the Heights Terrace Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jennifer Gerhard, the McAdoo-Kelayres Mustang Chorus under the direction of Sandra Hoppey, and the Heights Terrace Elementary School Third Grade Chorus under the direction of Rachel Brimmer.