Tips for Collecting Food or Supplies to Help your Neighbors in Need

Thanks so much for wanting to help! As an organization of "People Helping People," NHCO relies on the generosity of caring community members and groups to share with their neighbors in crisis.

Food donations are ALWAYS needed. Other seasonal items are needed throughout the year (school supplies, winter coats, Turkey on Every Table, Sharing Holiday Warmth, Spring Share). Visit our Want to Help page for specific collection requests and dates.

All of the following ideas refer to food drives but they can be applied to supply drives as well. Feel free to improvise!

• Make a flier with information on what the food drive is, why the food drive is being done, and when it will be picked up. Staple that flyer to an empty grocery bag and drop it off at neighborhood homes. Go back to those homes on pick up date and collect the food.
• Involve the whole family!
• Collection boxes can be established in your place of business, your church or/and your school (you should always ask permission). Advertising for the collection boxes could be done via school newsletters, company email lists, and church bulletins.
• Want to have a party for someone who has everything? Ask guests to bring non-perishable food items for the food pantry and then donate those items in honor of the birthday person.
• Ask your workplace to do a food collection in conjunction with a grand opening, anniversary or special event and advertise it along with your event.
• Have a dance or social at school and use non-perishable food as the admittance to the event.
• Conduct a food drive for a service project for a class or for CCD.
• Do a “Minute for Mission” at your church and do a food collection stressing helping your neighbors.

For more information about the food pantry, contact Brandi Rukovena at 412-487-6316.

For more information about the seasonal sharing projects, contact Judy Murchak at 412-487-6316.