Seasonal Sharing Projects Help Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, NHCO conducts seasonal "sharing projects" to help low-income families in need. In order to qualify, the family must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The aim behind all of these projects, and all of our programs, is to treat families with dignity and respect (allowing them to choose their own winter coat or backpack, for example).

Donations and volunteers for these projects are always needed and welcome. Contact Vicki Burstynowicz at 412-487-6316, option 1 if you need help or want to help others.

Spring Share - Grocery certificates, candy and Easter baskets are distributed in March or April (depending on when Easter falls). Sometimes gift cards for shoes or clothes are also distributed, when they are available.

Back-to-School Supplies - Children and youth receive a new backpack brimming with age-appropriate school supplies in August. Backpacks and supplies for ALL ages are needed, from pre-school through college. Department store certificates for school clothing are also appreciated. Items may be donated throughout the summer.

Winter Coat Shop - Every fall, we collect and distribute thousands of gently worn, clean coats at our three free Winter Coat Shops. Coats must be CLEAN as we do not have the funds or facilities to wash them. We especially need children's and adult XL sizes (to include 2X, 3X, etc). Click here for a flier.

Turkey on Every Table - Beginning in October, NHCO collects grocery store certificates, food baskets and financial donations to provide a complete, nourishing Thanksgiving dinner to local families. The following food items make up a complete dinner bag:

• 1 large box stuffing mix
• 1 large box instant mashed potatoes
• 1 15 oz can of cranberry sauce
• 2 16 oz cans of vegetables
• 1 box of pie crust mix
• 1 29 oz can of "easy" pumpkin pie mix
• 1 12 oz can of evaporated milk
• 1 box of muffin mix
• 1 package of turkey gravy mix
• 1 package of napkins
• 1 grocery certificate for $10 or more (to purchase a turkey, etc.)

Sharing Holiday Warmth - Each eligible family receives up to $50 in certificates (as funds allow) to apply to their gas, electric and food bills. Knowing that they are receiving this help, the families are then able to purchase their own gifts for their children and other loved ones. Beginning in November, please send donations to NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101, and mark "Sharing Holiday Warmth " on the subject line. All donations qualify for a tax deduction.

Holiday Toy Shop - Every year, several hundred children benefit from our Holiday Toy Shop. Local businesses, organizations and individuals donate NEW and unwrapped toys, games, books, stuffed animals, clothes and stocking stuffers for our Holiday Toy Shop. Eligible families then shop for their children. Items appropriate for teenagers are especially needed.