Volunteer Opportunities

NHCO depends on its volunteers to carry out our motto of "People Helping People." No matter what your interest, ability or availability, chances are good that we have a great volunteer opportunity waiting for you. To get involved, contact Volunteer Coordinator Reuven Dashevsky at 412-487-6316, option 2.

Both individuals and groups contribute to NHCO's vision of northern Allegheny County as a sharing community where no one is cold, hungry or alone.

GROUPS: Click here to learn about how you can get involved.

Volunteer Orientations are held monthly and rotate among NHCO's service sites (see the calendar). The one-hour session is appropriate for current and prospective volunteers and offers a nice overview of NHCO's services and volunteer opportunities.

Click here to see a list of all volunteers who logged more than 100 hours last year.

Current Volunteer Opportunities and Needs:

• Receptionists and data entry
• July - bellringers at Shoppers' Choice
• Volunteer Coaches: We're looking for knowledgeable and compassionate people to serve as volunteer coaches to advise individuals and families as they manage their finances, search for and secure employment, and address their housing concerns.
• Family Savings Accounts coaches
• Faith in Action volunteer caregivers are needed to provide nonmedical assistance for older adults and those with physical disabilities; Free Rides for Seniors drivers and dispatchers are needed. 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:

• Receptionist - Answer phones, direct calls and greet visitors. If you can't make a weekly commitment, we are always in need of substitutes to fill in when our "regulars" are out.
• Coaches - Volunteers help individuals find employment, secure affordable housing and become financially literate.
• Administrative/clerical support - Includes making copies, sending faxes, filing, collating, helping with thank you letters
• Fundraising - If you have contacts in the community or with foundations, we'd appreciate your help!
• Special Events
• Data entry - Help us maintain accurate records. We are happy to train volunteers on various computer software.
• Food Pantry - organize and sort
• Sharing Projects - organize, sort and help with distribution
• School projects - Many high school seniors choose NHCO to benefit from their senior project. Food and sharing project drives are a popular choice.
• Attorney - Provide free legal advice through Ask the Attorney.
• Lead volunteers - Take on a leadership role with one of our sharing projects or special fundraising events (citrus sale, gift wrap, Salvation Army bells)
• NHCO Ambassadors- Help NHCO get the word out by serving as an Ambassador. Typical speaking engagements are for rotary clubs, school groups, small businesses, etc. Training will be provided. We also need help staffing informational booths. Contact Director of Communications Wendy Gordon at 412-487-6316.
• Faith in Action - Provide nonmedical assistance for the elderly or adults with disabilities. For more information, visit our Faith in Action page or for training dates, visit Open Your Heart to a Senior.
• Bus drivers and dispatchers for Free Rides for Seniors. Drivers should be between 25-70 and feel comfortable driving a large shuttle van. No special license is required to drive. Training is provided.
• Pick up and deliver food, furniture, other items.
• Youth Volunteers - Visit our Youth Leadership page to learn about the unique ways youth can help, or contact Reuven Dashevsky at 412-487-6316, option 2, extension 3208.

Lead Volunteers We'd like to thank the following individuals for their outstanding dedication and commitment to NHCO's mission as lead volunteers:

• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry - Jill Herman
• North Boroughs Food Pantry - Barb Barcousky
• Souper Bowl - Rosemary Prager
• Back-to-School - Lead Volunteer Needed!
• Winter Coats - Jo Stone
• Toy Shop - Karen Boujoukos
• Sharing Holiday Warmth - Lead Volunteer Needed!
• Spring Share - Lead Volunteer Needed!
• Turkey on Every Table - Jean Kirk
• Family Savings Accounts - Marleen Kasbee
• Thank You Notes - Renee Full
• Ask the Attorney - David Moran, Esq.
• Bellringing at Shoppers' Choice - Joan Baxter
• Gift wrap at Shoppes at Northway - Jan Harrison
• Spring and fall appeals - Jean Muth, Tom Walsh, Tod Morrow
• Mini-Masters Miniature Golf Tournament - Althea Worthy
• Dessert Theatre - Melanie Eckenrode
• US Women's Open - Ruth Graham
• Interoffice Mail - Tod Morrow, Betty Lee Frankovich