NHCO Helps Injured Mom Give Family a Merry Christmas

Melissa is a certified nursing assistant and mother of three daughters, 16, 14, and 3. A car accident and subsequent back surgery in March of 2022 left her unable to work while she recovers, which can take 18-24 months.

"I take care of other people usually, but right now I'm not supposed to lift," Melissa said during a visit to NHCO's toy distribution last December in Millvale. 

Last spring and after the surgery, her 16-year-old daughter unexpectedly moved in with her. "She had absolutely nothing," Melissa remembered. She then learned about NHCO's services through her church.

On her first visit, NHCO's Vicki Burstynowicz gave them school supplies, clothes, and a Target gift certificate so the 16-year-old could settle into school. Vicki oversees NHCO's Sharing Projects, a series of annual collections that gathers and distributes donated goods to those in need.  

"We came in to get coats and I just told her about the situation about my daughter briefly," Melissa said. "And that's when she (Vicki) also surprised us with a book bag for school stuff, sheets for a bed." For nearly a year, she's received items for her family from three NHCO Sharing Projects: Back to School Supplies Collection, Winter Coat Shop, and Holiday Toy Shop.

Donors can "Adopt a Family" when giving to NHCO's toy drive. Last holiday season, an anonymous donor, or Secret Santa, paid for Melissa's gifts through NHCO's Toy Shop. The donor was from The Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment, part of the Marine Corps League.

According to Janet Lindner, Christmas Service Project Coordinator with the Detachment, they choose NHCO "because of the great reputation that the organization has in serving the needs of our neighbors in our local community."

"The Adopt a Family program is a great for kids to get the exact gifts they want while giving a personal connection to a family for a donor," Vicki said.

With help from our supporters and donors, NHCO is assisting Melissa while she’s on the road to recovery. And her daughters have gifts and necessities to take on the new year. That is why we’re an organization of “People Helping People.”

"They're amazing. They're helpful, "she said about NHCO. "Just unexpectedly awesome. I mean, we're grateful for any help."

Learn more about NHCO's Sharing Projects and how you can help, or receive items, at NHCO.org/sharing-project-donations

Toy Shop Works its Magic Again

Longtime Shuttle Drivers Looking to Pass Torch to New Volunteers

For the past 15 years, Mary and Jim Kane voluntarily gave free transportation to seniors on NHCO's Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle (FRFS). Last December, they completed their last ride before retiring.

"There is something incredibly heartwarming about seeing life partners volunteer together and make such a positive impact on our program and the lives of our riders," said NHCO Free Rides for Seniors Coordinator Tracy Elway

The 10-passenger shuttle provides daily free transportation to seniors living in Blawnox, Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, and O'Hara, along or near Freeport Road. It is part of NHCO's In Service of Seniors program, a variety of services that help older adults in our community live healthy and safely.

Jim drives while Mary answers a cell phone for pick-up and drop-off requests.

"The clients are wonderful. They help you with directions. They're fun to talk too. Overall it's just a really nice experience. And everybody is so nice," Mary said

What do they say to people thinking about volunteering with the FRFS Shuttle?

"I would certainly recommend it. We got great enjoyment out of it...met so many good people," Jim said

"We hope some other people come on and have as much fun as we've had for the past fifteen years," Mary added.

"We suddenly find ourselves in great need of volunteers! We are diligently searching for the next sets of caring couples or individuals to join our team," Tracy remarked.

Interested in volunteering with NHCO's Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle? Please contact:
Tracy Elway
Free Rides for Seniors Coordinator
412-449-0151
tlelway@nhco.org

High School Supporter Calls on More Teens to Get Involved with NHCO

Seventeen-year-old Ella and her mom Bonnie recently delivered more than a hundred food and personal care items to NHCO's food panty in Allison Park. Two weeks before, the 11th-grader taped flyers on her neighbors' doors announcing a collection for NHCO. Donors had two options - drop the items off at her home, or she and her dad would pick them up on the last Saturday of the drive.

For Ella, the drive was both inspiring and fulfilling.

"To other people who are interested in donating or running a collection similar to mine, I think it's such an amazing opportunity to help those around us who are unable to get basic food and supplies for their families. I think that it can be a great way to get your neighborhood, friends, or community involved in a great cause. It also makes you feel really good inside because you know that you are helping people," Ella said.

NHCO strongly encourages our community's youth to help their neighbors in need.

"When we see young people in the community step up and do extraordinary things to help others, it motivates and inspires us all. We are so proud of and grateful for Ella for doing such an incredible job on this food drive," said NHCO Executive Director Tom Baker.

Interested in holding your own collection, no matter your age? Learn what items are needed, tips for collecting, and how NHCO's staff can help your project at NHCO.org/hold-a-collection

Mother, Daughter Living in Car Calls Help a Christmas "Miracle"

Two days before Christmas, NHCO Programs and Outreach Manager Angie Elnyczky-Collins got a call from a food pantry client who is disabled. She and her daughter have lived in their car since the summer of 2022 after being evicted by their duplex's new owner, who wanted to remodel. Angie helped them secure a new apartment, and they were due to move in on December 23rd. However, their car broke down that day, and they had no way to pay for repairs.

They immediately called Angie, who contacted Dan Wonder, NHCO's Transportation Assistance Program Team Leader. The program helps low-income individuals overcome transportation challenges.

"Their whole life was in that car, and they were finally moving in to their place. Dan moved quickly and was able to get their repair costs paid before the end of the day," Angie said.

"A lot of things had to happen quickly and they did," Dan added.

Because of Dan and Angie's fast actions and your support for NHCO, the two women spent Christmas in their new home.

They even commented, "NHCO brought them their angels."

Learn About NHCO’s Volunteer Opportunities at NHCO.org/Volunteer

If you're interested in volunteering and/or have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Harriet Klatte, Volunteer Coordinator, 412-487-6316 x3204 • hzklatte@nhco.org

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 location also accepts donations the first Saturday of the month between 9am-noon.

Personal Care Collection, February 14 - April 18
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be used to purchase personal care items NHCO collects these items and gives them to families and individuals who use our food pantries.

*We Are Collecting (Unscented or Gender Neutral Scents Preferred)
Body Lotion • Body Wash • Conditioner • Disposable • Razors Lip Balm Dental Floss • Shaving Cream • Toothpaste • Toothbrushes • Bars of Soap Shampoo Wash Cloth or Loofah • Deodorant

You can order personal care items from our Amazon Wishlist and have them shipped to NHCO's main office. 

Food Pantry
Over the holiday season, attendance at our Allison Park, North Boroughs, and Millvale food pantries was higher than average. Thanks to our giving supporters, we met their needs.

"I'd also like to thank our generous donors and volunteers for their efforts in helping our clients this holiday season," said NHCO Food Pantry Coordinator Jon Jordan.

*Our pantries can always use these donated items
Peanut Butter • Rice • Cereal • Oatmeal • Soups/ Chunky Soups • Canned Pasta • Chili 

It's Easy and Automatic - A Monthly Way to Support NHCO 
Donors can now register for monthly recurring donations that are automatically deducted from their bank account, PayPal account, or credit card. When you sign up for monthly donations, you'll become an NHCO Community Connector. NHCO's Board of Directors will donate $100 up to 30K for every individual that becomes a Community Connector.

Please make your contribution today at NHCO.org/Donate and choose Monthly.

Corporate Matching Gifts
Double your impact with a matching gift or volunteer incentive grant from your employer. Many employers will match your financial donation in part or in full. Some will even financially match your volunteer hours.

Learn more at NHCO.org/Corporate-Matching-Gifts

Four Easy Ways to Donate to NHCO

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, opt. 1 x 3131

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

Corporate Matching Gifts
Double your impact with a matching gift or volunteer incentive grant from your employer. Many employers will match your financial donation in part or in full. Some will financially match your volunteer hours. Learn more at NHCO.org/Corporate-Matching-Gifts

Donate through United Way
Designate NHCO to receive all or part of your pledge through United Way's workplace campaign.
NHCO's contribution code is #2357

Fundraisers and Events

Thank You Notes

My son and I are so very fortunate to have received your help…You and North Hills Community Outreach have been such a blessing. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday and may your New Year be filled with Love, Peace and Joy.
- Utility Assistance Cleint

Can't thank (you) enough. You literally saved my Christmas.
-Toy Shop Client

I literally cannot thank you enough for such prompt assistance! Seriously I really appreciate it. I’m out here trying my best and I am blessed to be employed but things seem to still be a struggle sometimes and you really made this an easy process. Thank you again.
- Utility Assistance Client

Thank you so much for your help getting my son and my car fixed. It’s so nice to have heat again and we feel much safer. We were jumping up and down and hugging out of thankfulness and are so happy.
-Transportation Assistance Client

Just a short note to say ‘thank you’ for always being there for me. I appreciate everything that has been done for me. Again, thanks.
- A Senior Client