As Temperatures Drop, NHCO Utility Assistance Programs Are Ready to Help

Winter is coming, and part of North Hills Community Outreach’s vision is to help ensure that no one is cold. When someone is late on bills, facing or experiencing a shut-off, NHCO has several ways to help. Most often, staff help clients fill out applications to regional and federal programs outside of NHCO. According to NHCO’s Calvin Ecker, many clients are unaware of these resources, so he offers suggestions and guides them through the application process. Some programs, such as Dollar Energy, require clients to apply through a partner organization like NHCO. If an outside program is unable to assist, NHCO can provide direct funding to those facing a utility shut off.

"You guys at NHCO are doing great things for so many people, keep up the great blessings you are providing," a client who received utility assistance wrote to Calvin.

“Even though the utility season is busy, I enjoy meeting with clients during it because there are so many opportunities for resources,” Calvin said. “I really feel honored to be able to have an individual or family trust me to guide them through all of their options when they cannot pay their heating bills.”

Additionally, NHCO’s Sharing Winter Warmth can provide assistance after the holidays in the middle of winter. Food pantry clients can apply for credit that NHCO gives to a utility company. It’s one of our Sharing Projects, so you can help by visiting NHCO.org/donate and choosing “Sharing Winter Warmth” as your designation.

For the first time in 10 years, high school football adversaries North Allegheny and North Hills faced off at NA’s stadium. Evie, NA's cheerleading captain, and her mother, a former North Hills cheerleader, thought the match would be a great way to rally the crowd to support NHCO.

“We wanted to help a non-profit in the North Hills area since the schools are both located in the North Hills/Wexford area,” Evie said. “This was the first time in a long time the NH/NA rivalry was back, so we wanted to do something special to bring fans and teams together."

In the days leading up to the event, the squads promoted it through flyers, social media, and a press release. An hour before kickoff, the uniformed revelers set up a donation table and offered prizes. Anyone who donated at least two cans of food or $5 received a festive pom-pom shaker, and every donor was entered to win a $250 gift card to a local restaurant.

They collected $704.15 and 602 cans that went towards NHCO's three food pantries. "We're grateful to the cheerleaders for organizing this food drive,” said NHCO Food Pantry Coordinator Jon Jordan. “It's a fun and creative way for young people to make a real difference in their community. Every donation helps us keep our pantry shelves stocked and ensures that local families have access to the food they need."

“I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish in a small amount of time," Evie added. "And I think it brought some excitement to the fans seeing us all work together.”

Designing and planning NHCO’s five-year vision and plan was a challenging and ambitious undertaking that requires a lot of studying and collaboration. Ali Karsh, an industrial designer who grew up in the North Hills, volunteered with our leadership team who oversaw the project. She was instrumental in guiding NHCO into the future. In recognition of her ideas, dedication, and service, she was honored with NHCO’s People Helping People Award.

Industrial design involves creating, developing and designing physical products. Ali’s experience spans a wide range of projects, including designing toys, child products, ceramic home goods, retail installations and more. She currently works at a hardware and software design firm where she often overcomes challenges to achieve a common solution.

“My title is Lead Design Thinking Strategist, which I sometimes describe as being a corporate art teacher," Ali said. "I often act as a coach, helping people solve complex problems together through empathy, creativity, and collaboration."

That same approach shaped Ali’s contributions to NHCO’s strategic planning process. She focused on human-centered design, a strategy that puts people’s needs, experiences, and challenges at the center of the planning process. She pinpointed trouble spots that clients and volunteers might encounter and developed ways to make their experience easier and more enjoyable. After these focus points were identified, action steps were outlined to achieve NHCO’s vision as efficiently as possible.

Watch a video and read NHCO's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan at NHCO.org/strategic-plan

NHCO Solar Greenhouse Taps Sun to Extend Growing Season

In October, NHCO celebrated a milestone in helping those facing food insecurity at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new solar greenhouse at our Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden. The 24ft x 24ft energy efficient structure will potentially increase our annual harvest by 1,000 pounds of fresh produce that goes to our food pantries. That’s on top of the 2,500 to 4,000 pounds already harvested yearly.

Garden Coordinator Rachel Durkan plans to implement a hydroponic growing system where plants grow using a water-based mineral nutrient mixture instead of soil. This system saves water, enables crops to grow faster, and produces a higher yield.

Also, the greenhouse will house seeds in the spring that will sprout into young plants before moving outside. It will also extend the fall growing season by maintaining a warm microclimate as the temperature cools outside.

Planning for the solar greenhouse began in 2021 in response to the significant increase in demand for food pantry services that NHCO experienced during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. It's accessible for a diverse group of volunteers and will be an educational platform for school field trips, volunteers, and workshops to learn about organic gardening, nutrition, and food insecurity.

"The Solar Greenhouse will enable NHCO to continue to bring the human touch to our food pantries, as our neighbors in need see locally grown, heirloom variety produce and know that someone who grew this produce cares about them personally," said NHCO Executive Director Scott Shaffer.

New Director of Programs and Services Brings Years of Experience from Around the World

Please join us in welcoming David Wilkes to NHCO. He brings a Master of Social Work (MSW) and many years of experience serving populations similar to those supported by NHCO.

His primary duty is to implement, evaluate and oversee NHCO’s programs that will strengthen food security, homelessness prevention, transportation access, and pathways toward long-term family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

“I have had the opportunity to serve with a number of great programs across the globe to empower communities overcoming poverty, war, and mental health challenges.”

For the past fourteen years, David and his family lived in Uganda, where he led a team providing mental health services to refugee communities. His work helped individuals and families recover from the trauma associated with war and conflict. Previously, David worked in Ohio, supporting unhoused individuals and people experiencing severe mental health challenges.

“As we return back home to Pittsburgh, I am excited to utilize my learnings and experience as I join the NHCO team in this next chapter of service,“ the North Hills native added.

Former Senior Director of Programs and Services Jacqlyn Boggs has been promoted to Associate Executive Director. She’ll help strengthen the relationships, partnerships, and resources that make our mission possible.

“By working closely with donors, volunteers, community partners, and our dedicated staff, I strive to ensure that NHCO remains a trusted source of support for our neighbors while continuing to grow our impact throughout the communities we serve,” Jacqlyn said.

Volunteer Opportunities – Your Community Needs You!

To view our current volunteer opportunities, please visit NHCO.org/Volunteer or email volunteer@NHCO.org.

Please Join us for Giving Tuesday

NHCO's Sharing Projects and Other Ways to Help

Sharing Project and food donations can be dropped off at any of our three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. Our Allison Park office accepts donations the first Saturday of the month from 9am-12noon.

Thanksgiving on Every Table, Now - November 16

Every year, NHCO distributes hundreds of complete Thanksgiving dinners to families experiencing hardship. You can help by holding a collection or donating any or all of the following items to make a festive dinner.View a list of items to donate.

Holiday Toy Collection, November 16 - December 11

Every holiday season, NHCO holds a toy collection, allowing hundreds of children in need to have a memorable holiday. Last year, 959 children received new toys, games, and other gifts for the holidays. You can order from our Amazon Wishlist and the items will be delivered to NHCO. NHCO.org/toy-collection

Gift ideas include:

• Gift cards

• Board games

• Puzzles and Books

• Plush blankets

• Bath/body items

• Phone accessories

• Craft kits and art supplies

• Sports equipment

• Popular toys

Seven Easy Ways to Donate

1. NHCO.org/donate

2. Text NHCO to 44-321

3. Call our staff accountant to make a donation over the phone: Lin Kostura, 412-487-6316 x3131

4. Send a check to:
North Hills Community Outreach
1975 Ferguson Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

5. Corporate Matching Gifts -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. Your Legacy has a Home at NHCO. This opportunity allows donors to leave a lasting legacy to our organization and the community we serve. To learn more, contact Brenda Hill, Director of Development & Communications at bhill@NHCO.org or 412-487-6316 x3112.

Thank You Notes!

"Thank you again, Vicki (NHCO Sharing Project Coordinator). I truly appreciate what you did to help us with the backpacks and everything NHCO does for families in the community."

A client who received Back To School Supplies through our
Sharing Projects program

"Interesting Drivers! They are a Blessing for those of us who no longer drive and have a great need for transportation. It is almost worth having a doctor's appointment just to meet these people."

A passenger on NHCO's Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle