Community Support is Key to Meeting Increased Demand During Challenging Times

During the pandemic, we watched neighbors who had always lived securely suddenly turning to the food pantry, families facing housing uncertainty, and parents struggling to work while caring for their children. The people coming through our doors were families like ours; people like us.

Fast forward six years. While we are thankfully no longer in a pandemic, many of our neighbors are once again stretched beyond what they ever imagined. Groceries cost more, budgets are breaking, and families are turning to their community, hoping someone will be there to help.

We are grateful for those in our community that have been showing incredible generosity, helping to ensure no one faces this alone. Children are hosting bake sales, breweries are matching donations, and hair salons are offering incentives for customers who give. The creativity is incredible, and the generosity is truly inspiring!

However, there are people right now who are doing everything they can to put food on their tables, and support the basic needs of their families, but it’s still not enough. This is our moment to show up again, just like we always have. Because just like before, people need us. People who may not show it. People who never expected to ask for support. People who could be you, a friend, or a neighbor. Let’s show up for each other the way this community always does.

FRFS Shuttle Connects Riders to the Community and to Each Other

North Hills Community Outreach's Free Rides for Seniors (FRFS) Shuttle empowers older adults to maintain their independence and participate actively in society. The shuttle provides rides to appointments and other errands along the Route 28 corridor. Not only does it provide this extremely critical service, but it also gives them an opportunity to socialize and be a part of a “community on wheels” where friendships grow with each ride.

Bernie, a retired store manager, has made lasting connections in the six months he’s been riding. Recently, his bright smile greeted other passengers on a trip to buy a present for a relative.

"It's a joy to see Bernie flourish with the community he has developed while using the FRFS shuttle service,” said Tracy Elway who oversees the service. “He and one of our volunteer drivers have become buddies, getting together to play pool and corn hole at the senior apartment building.”

Volunteers also find meaning and friendship in the FRFS family.

“When I retired from my job I was looking for something, someway to give back, something to do…I did a ride-along and I just loved it ever since,” said Marilyn, a FRFS dispatcher. “It is really a community, so I really enjoy it.”

FRFS is more than just a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Its extra benefit eases loneliness and isolation that so many older adults experience. The shuttle encourages connection, conversation, and companionship.

“Life is just better when you have friends and a way to get out and see them,” Tracy added.

We need FRFS volunteers! Come for a ride along and see the magic. Interested? Please contact Tracy at 412-449-0151 or tlelway@NHCO.org.

Family Makes Food Collection Annual Tradition

For the sixth year in a row, Shaler Area students and sister/brother duo Hannah, 13, and Oliver, 12, organized an annual food drive for North Hills Community Outreach. This year’s drive carried extra meaning because of the uncertainty over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food-purchasing assistance to many NHCO clients.

"Although there is always a need, it seems like this is a particularly good time to be able to help out the community,” their father, Ryan, said.

They created a flyer with a list of acceptable food items and the drop-off location, then stuffed the neighborhood’s mailboxes with the info. Their parents posted online and got donations from out-of-town friends and family.

“We have received a lot of feedback from different neighbors about how much they love to get the flyer each year. It seems to have become a tradition for everyone to take part in,” Ryan said.

After delivering the donations to NHCO’s Allison Park office, Hannah and Oliver reflected on their pride in what they’d accomplished, and they hope that others might do the same.

"Thanks to you, Hannah, and Oliver for keeping this awesome family tradition going!” said NHCO Executive Director Scott Shaffer. “Food pantry donations are in especially high demand this month, and this is such a great example of youth providing leadership."

Do You Want to Hold a Collection? It's a fun Way to Support NHCO

Much of what we distribute comes from donations. Holding a collection for our food pantries or Sharing Projects Program is a great way to help. Ideas include setting up a lemonade stand, holding a food drive at school, hosting a party, concert or show. Own a business? Maybe donate a percentage of sales on an "NHCO Day." We're open to any of your ideas! We can help with flyers and marketing materials.

Interested? Contact Abby Kelly, Development Coordinator, 412-487-6316 x3205 • aekelly@NHCO.org

Interim Finance Manager Awarded People Helping People Award

The annual recognition is presented to individuals, businesses or organizations who exemplify North Hills Community Outreach's mission by supporting our community with acts of service, fundraising and a dedication to fighting suburban poverty.

When NHCO’s Financial Director retired last spring, David Rishel stepped up to be Interim Finance Manager, a volunteer opportunity that he approached as a full-time position. He met an urgent and critical need and helped ensure NHCO’s finances and operations were faithfully stewarded during the transition.

“In so many ways NHCO is driven by its volunteers and the support it gets from the community,” David said. “I believe strongly in NHCO’s mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Fate gave me the opportunity to support NHCO in a meaningful way this year.”

He was a natural fit for the role, bringing years of experience overseeing financial operations for small businesses. And being a past board president and member of our Finance Committee made him remarkably familiar with NHCO’s operations.

Originally, the position was supposed to be a few hours a day until we found a new director. But, to the amazement of NHCO Executive Director Scott Shaffer, David really took charge.

“In the end he ended up volunteering for over 8 hours/day for several weeks, not only keeping the lights on, but actually making improvements to our financial processes along the way,” Scott said.

Through his dedication, expertise, and compassion, David truly exemplified the spirit of people helping people.

Retired? We have a Job for You!

It’s been said that retirement isn't the end of the road, but just a turn in the road. That turn took volunteers Gary and Ed to North Hills Community Outreach.

After retiring in 2000, Gary’s wife and former NHCO board member encouraged him to volunteer. "My wife preferred that I would not be around the house all the time," he said. "I thank NHCO for saving our marriage of 62 years." He first answered phones and helped clients with utilities applications. But as NHCO grew, his handyman talents came into play.

"Gary paints offices, fixes doorbells and fans, cleans, takes out the trash, AND takes broken down cardboard boxes to the recycling center. He is truly a non-profit superhero," said Millvale Manager Genevieve Volpe.

“It has been my privilege to work with very capable staff and see how effectively they deal with a wide variety of challenges every day,” the eighty-seven-year-old recently said. “As a volunteer, I'm able to meet, greet and help clients feel comfortable at an awkward time in their lives”

Ed is a retired litigation paralegal who recently moved to Pittsburgh and was looking to volunteer. He has professional experience with taxes, so he came to NHCO in 2023 to help with our Free Tax Prep program, a service NHCO offers to low-income individuals. When tax season ended, NHCO luckily had plenty of other opportunities for him.

"I saw all the other stuff that they (NHCO) did, and I thought, 'Well, I've got more time. I can do more volunteering."

He started volunteering at our garden, then moved inside to help clients with utilities. Ed also picks up pet food from a partner organization that we distribute at our food pantries. And his wise-cracking and jovial nature is equally helpful to our staff in North Boroughs.

"No matter what is going on, we can always count on him to make us laugh. He holds clients with the highest dignity and respect while also throwing out one-liners and quips. He understands that life is hard and if we didn't laugh, we'd cry."

Why should you volunteer with NHCO? “It's educational,” Ed said about his experience. “You develop more empathy about what they (clients) are up against."

NHCO Puts Best Foot Forward with New Ramp and Entrance

For North Hills Community Outreach to be a “people helping people” organization, everyone needs safe access to our services. For a long time, the ramp leading to the front door of our office in Allison Park has been deteriorating. But, thanks to the support of our community, that’s no longer the case.

"The new ramp makes NHCO more welcoming and inclusive by providing a safe and attractive entry point to our Allison Park offices,” said John Patterson, NHCO’s Director of Finance and Operations. “We couldn't be more thrilled with the result."

Cheryl volunteers at our front desk in Allison Park and is the welcoming face to our visitors and understands the difference firsthand. She recently underwent back surgery when she suffered nerve damage to her leg, causing her to use a walker.

“The new ramp makes it much easier for me to fulfill my duties and service as receptionist for NHCO,” she recently mentioned. “It was a pleasure rolling up the new ramp and a handrail with no splinters or fear of falling from the uneven boards.”

Funds to replace the ramp seemed elusive until John found a way. He applied and was given a grant from The Home Depot Foundation to cover the cost of materials. Our neighbors and supporters at St. Paul’s Methodist Church paid for a contractor.

These gifts prove again that Northern Allegheny County is a sharing community. A simple project became a lasting symbol of safety, accessibility, and community care that will benefit many for years ahead.

Rosalinda Sauro-Siriani Garden Highlights Season of Healthy Food and Positive Community Impact

In late October, a team of volunteers and a few North Hills Community Outreach staff members harvested tomatoes, pulled stalks and covered beds as the growing season ended. The only plants that will continue growing through the winter are carrots, housed safely in our high tunnel.

Kate Robson, the coordinator at the community garden, looks back at the growing season with pride. To her, the garden accomplished its three main goals.

Support wildlife - The garden is lush with native plants, trees and flowers which support a variety of animals, including squirrels, birds, butterflies, and even our own chickens and bees. The plot, which is less than an acre, is host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem.

Build community and supporting socialization - Just like our Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle, our garden is an outstanding way for everyone to get acquainted. High schoolers, retirees and everyone in-between share tasks, exchange ideas and knowledge, and work hard to produce a bountiful harvest.

"This year, having the interns working with a lot of retired volunteers and having intergenerational talks was really fulfilling for everybody involved."

Grow food to combat hunger and food insecurity - Thousands of pounds of fresh produce are grown and harvested, then distributed through our three food pantries. Vibrant flowers are cut and arranged into bouquets for our clients in our Older Adults Program, bringing a touch of beauty and kindness to their day.

The season will pick up again in May 2026. To learn more about our garden, visit NHCO.org/garden.

Learn About our Volunteer Opportunities at NHCO.org/volunteer

NHCO's Sharing Projects

NHCO holds various collections throughout the year, then distributes the donated goods to those in need. Learn more about our seven sharing projects and how you can contribute below.

Donations can be dropped off at any of our three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm and at our Allison Park office on the first Saturday of the month from 9am-12noon.

Sharing Winter Warmth

Help neighbors in need stay warm and keep the lights on. On average, one in five households are forced to forgo, or have to reduce food, medicine and other necessities to pay an energy bill. During the winter months, NHCO provides assistance in paying these bills to more than 500 vulnerable seniors, disabled adults and families.

Make a donation at NHCO.org/donate or call our Staff Accountant Lin Kostura at 412-487-6316 x3131

Other Ways to Help

Seven Easy Ways to Donate to NHCO

1. NHCO.org/Donate

2. Text NHCO to 44-321

3. Call our finance department to make a donation over the phone. 412-487-6316 x3131

4. Send a check payable to North Hills Community Outreach to:

North Hills Community Outreach
1975 Ferguson Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

5. Multiply your gift with a donation match from your employer. Visit NHCO.org/matching-gifts to see if your donation will be matched.

6. Become a monthly donor. It's easy and automatic. Please visit NHCO.org/Donate and choose "monthly."

7. Planned giving - This opportunity allows donors to leave a lasting legacy to NHCO and the community we serve. Learn more at NHCO.org/legacy.

Thank You!

"Hi NHCO, thanks for the work you do in the community."
A food donor

"Thank you so much this program is going to help us tremendously!"
A parent who received toys from our Toy Shop Collection

"Thank you so much for your great heart and kindness!!!!!!!!"
A parent who received toys from our Toy Shop Collection

"Cathy Pschirer and all the staff and drivers. Thanks for giving your time to take us seniors safely to our destinations on time. God bless all of you"
An older adult in our In Service of Seniors Program