PITTSBURGH — A beloved South Side ice cream shop helped sweeten the recovery for Pittsburghers still reeling from last week’s powerful storms by handing out free cones to the community on Tuesday.
Page’s Dairy Mart, a long-standing fixture on East Carson Street, offered complimentary ice cream from 4 to 7 p.m. as a gesture of goodwill following the April 29 storms that knocked out electricity for thousands across western Pennsylvania.
“We’ve all had a rough last week,” said Daniella Rullo, an employee at Page’s. “We lost power here for a few hours, and we figured everyone could use a little pick-me-up.”
Customers were treated to a choice of vanilla, chocolate, or twist cake cones, with optional sprinkles, at no cost.
For some residents, the giveaway came at just the right time. Annabelle Cotton, a University of Pittsburgh alumna, had just regained electricity at her home after nearly a week without it.
“On Tuesday, we probably had five or six trees fall on our house, and we’ve still been without power,” Cotton said. “As of 30 minutes ago, our power just came back on. I got service back and saw Page’s was handing out free ice cream, so I had to come.”
Beyond offering relief from the heat, Page’s aimed to foster a sense of togetherness during a difficult time.
“We’ve had so many great customers, and we figured it would be the right thing to do,” Rullo said. “We’re a Pittsburgh staple, and we’re so connected with the community — even people who don’t live nearby.”
Cotton expressed her gratitude, saying the gesture reminded her of the strength of the city’s community spirit.
“Thank you to Page’s. It’s such a Pittsburgh staple, and it makes me feel loved and cared for when all of this stuff has been happening,” she said. “It just feels like the Pittsburgh community. I feel lucky to have power — and to have Page’s.”
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