Caregiver and Grandmother of Six Finds Relief Through NHCO

Last year, Elle’s son passed away, her family was evicted, and her husband was becoming increasingly ill. “I fell into hard times,” the 71-year-old retired hospital worker remembered. 

She turned to NHCO for help where she met Service Coordinator Teri Deeds. “My heart hurt terribly for her,” Teri said. “I certainly tested the boundaries and looked for any and all resources to assist her.” 

"They (NHCO) helped me Immensely with different resources and support,” Elle said while choking with emotion. “The support was unbelievable.” Elle’s son lived with his parents along with his six kids, and he financially contributed to the household. Without him, she fell behind on rent and was evicted. Teri connected Elle with resources that found her a home, and assisted with utility and rental payments. Through NHCO’s Transportation Financial Assistance Program, Teri was also able to cover a few car payments. 

Elle also cares for her homebound husband who has end-stage renal disease. She can’t go back to work so she can care for him and set up his daily dialysis. "I've been married 51 years. That's what it's all about - in sickness and in health.” Because of NHCO’s help, he will spend his final days at home. 

“Resilience and super-strength is how I would describe Elle - she is full of love for her family and will persevere through the toughest valleys to sustain her family,” Teri said. “She has been a delight to walk along side during her journey!” 

"She goes over and beyond to help you,” Elle said about Teri. “She’s not judgmental. She's kind. She's supportive. She understands. They (NHCO) have done so much for me and my family.” 

Everyone deserves a place to turn during difficult times. When Elle, her husband, and their grandchildren faced a heartbreaking situation, Teri and the generosity of NHCO's supporters were there to provide relief. That's why NHCO is here. 

Abby, 17, and Tyler, 15, are spending the summer getting their hands dirty at NHCO's community garden in Bellevue, where they help grow fresh produce that feeds our food pantries. They’re also developing valuable skills for their future as engineers.

Abby will be studying chemical engineering this fall at The University of Minnesota. “Each plant needs different requirements of nutrients…so chemistry is part of it,” she said. “Finding the right ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus."

Tyler was placing a tarp over weeds to keep water away, while positioning it to flow rainwater toward the crops. He ran out of fastening pins, so he used rocks to secure the tarp. “A lot of problem-solving. Figuring out the best way to complete a task,” Tyler added.

Critical thinking combined with resource management gives NHCO’s future engineers a hands-on experience that goes beyond the garden.

Learn more about our garden at NHCO.org/garden.

Andrew Peigh combined two of his passions—running and a desire to make a difference in his community—to raise more than $7300 for NHCO as the organizer of the Miles2Meals 100 Mile Relay, held on May 16, 2026. His efforts, and the generosity of all those who supported the event, have helped ensure that our food pantries will be welcoming the families who depend on them with well-stocked shelves.

Andrew, as a senior at North Allegheny (NA) High School and a member of both the NA Cross Country and Track and Field Teams, took on the challenge of coordinating Miles2 Meals from Michael Guanter, a cross country teammate who had previously organized the event. "He had graduated and was attending Slippery Rock University and wanted to pass it on to someone who was still engaged with the community and team," said Andrew. "He warned me that it was a lot of work, but I was happy to help."

Although Andrew’s parents and friends lent a hand where and when they could, the brunt of the work fell to him as he secured sponsors, arranged food trucks and activities, and managed the logistics of scheduling 100 runners to run a relay covering 100 miles total. "I didn't do this for a resumé builder," he said, "but I feel I really developed a lot of leadership, business, and organization skills."

The most gratifying part of Miles2Meals, though, was the outpouring of support from both the running and sponsorship communities, Andrew noted. "People who were running asked what more they could do, and multiple sponsors showed up to the event to see what it was about. They all cared about the cause—to do something about food insecurity in our area.”

"Everyone was smiling and had a great time. That made my day," he continued. "But, knowing that the money we raised will have an impact on hunger in our community makes it worth all the effort.”

“My community service initiative focuses on fighting food insecurity across Pennsylvania,” she said after donating items to NHCO’s Allison Park food pantry.

She’s part of NHCO’s Teen Leadership Coalition (TLC), a group of teenagers grades 7 through 12 who are actively making a difference in our community. Their goal is to grow our volunteer base and engage individuals and businesses through fundraising efforts. They also hold food and sharing project collections, and increase awareness of NHCO’s mission, specifically towards teens.

“Part of my work is educating others about food insecurity and the importance of supporting food pantries, so I often share my volunteer efforts on social media,” Lexi said.

It’s also an opportunity for members to grow their network, learn how nonprofits operate, and build their resumés . They work closely with NHCO staff on their initiatives. When they outgrow The TLC, they can join The Young Community Leaders Board (YCLB), another community-focused NHCO initiative for young adults ages 21-40.

Are you or someone you know interested in joining The TLC? Please visit NHCO.org/tlc or contact Amethy Weikel-Sandstrom at aweikel-sandstrom@NHCO.org or 412 487-6316 x3204.

Volunteer Opportunities – Your Community Needs You!

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

New NHCO Volunteer Encourages Service in Older Adult Programs

Linda, a retired nurse, recently started volunteering with NHCO’s Older Adults Program. “I believe that we need to step up and get involved when we can,” she mentioned. “Many times, it’s just listening, caring, and being kind.”

The program aims to give older adults the gift of independence while living at home. As a volunteer driver, Linda took an older adult to a medical appointment and shopping, a task she described as “very entertaining.”

“She has a great sense of humor and is a people person,” Linda said about her passenger and new friend. She also added that “she (her passenger) admitted that she is lonely.”

“I would strongly encourage anyone to volunteer with older adults! It is very rewarding for everyone involved," Linda said. “Our seniors all have interesting histories and usually enjoy talking about their experiences. I learn something every time I talk with them and enjoy the conversations.”

Events and Fundraisers

Event Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available

Community Impact • Build Brand Awareness • Customer Engagement • Fun Experiences

Interested? Please contact Brenda Hill, bhill@NHCO.org • 412-676-7812 • NHCO.org/sponsorships.

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 NHCO's Sharing Projects and Other Ways to Help

Coat Shop, September 1 - October 16

We’re collecting and distributing new coats to children ages infant to 18-years-old. New hats, scarves and gloves are also being accepted. Gift cards to purchase coats are also greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at any of our three offices, or you can order from our Amazon Wish list and have the coats shipped directly to us.

Thanksgiving on Every Table, October 16 - 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.

Donations Big and Small Help Us Help Those in Need

A substantial portion of what we distribute to those in need is donated. Various organizations hold collections, a fun and engaging way to benefit NHCO’s mission. For the past 30 years, Treesdale, a housing community nestled in NHCO’s service area, has held a bi-annual collection that has gathered more than 100,000 pounds of items.

“It started small, then went big,” said Lori Rausch, a member of Treesdale’s board. “At the time (the beginning), we were only helping a few families with our food collection. By partnering with NHCO, we felt a larger impact could be made by supporting your (NHCO’s) food pantry.”

Treesdale collects non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper goods, pet food, and monetary donations. Residents learn about the collection via their community calendar and newsletter. A flyer and brown paper bag are delivered to more than a thousand doors that make up Treesdale. A week later, volunteers pick up the donations that are then sorted and delivered to NHCO.

Interested in holding a collection, no matter the size? Please visit NHCO.org/hold-a-collection to learn more. Or contact Brenda Hill at bhill@NHCO.org or 412-676-7812.

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!

I just want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to Calvin (NHCO's Millvale Service Coordinator) and his team at the Millvale office. We went in there today and not only were we treated with the absolute utmost respect, we left with the help we needed for our utility bill plus food and supplies that we very much needed!!!I It's been a long, hard road for my family, thank you again, all of you, for making the road just a little bit easier and giving me the best night's sleep I've had in months!!!!

A Google review

Just wanted to say hello, and say I'm now working. I love it. It's almost 2 months. It's a li'l bit of a change but it's cool.  Thanks to you for keeping me positive,  I really appreciate you...thank you...still trying to stay a float..but i'm making it..

A note to Teri Deeds, NHCO's Millvale Manager