NHCO Annual Thanksgiving food collection continues through November 9
North Hills Community Outreach is collecting food items to create complete Thanksgiving meals to distribute to hundreds of local families in need. Items that make a meal include: grocery store gift cards of $20 for turkey or other protein purchase, large boxes of stuffing mix and instant mashed potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, any dessert mix, muffin mix, turkey gravy mix and napkins. Donations are accepted through November 9.
NHCO offices, including the main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton, are open weekdays, 9am-4pm. The pantry behind the main building in Hampton will be open for donations 9:00am- noon, Saturday, November 3. For more information, visit nhco.org or call 412-487-6316 opt. 1.
NHCO’s annual Holiday Gift collection begins November 1
North Hills Community Outreach is accepting new toys, games, sporting equipment, apparel and gift cards for children ages birth through 18, through December 12; earlier donations are encouraged! Gifts cards and gifts appropriate for teens are especially needed! NHCO offices, including the main office at 1975 Ferguson Road, Hampton, are open weekdays, 9am-4pm. The pantry behind the main building in Hampton will be open for donations 9:00am – noon, Saturday, November 3 and Saturday, December 1 . Alternate donation plans can be made by calling 412-487-6316 opt 1. For more information, visit nhco.org.
NHCO board raises $38,000 to match donations
The board of directors of North Hills Community Outreach recently raised $38,000 to encourage matching donations from individuals in the community. The first $38,000 donated by individuals through December 31, 2018, will be matched dollar for dollar. Last year, North Hills Community Outreach assisted nearly 3,500 local families in hardship and poverty. This fiscal year began with flooding that has resulted in a significant increase in requests for help. Checks can be mailed to NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. Online donations can be made at nhco.org .
NHCO urgently needs vehicle donations to fund Transportation Assistance program *Editor note: the wording has changed from previous months
Unwanted cars, vans, trucks, boats, RVs, or motorcycles can help several low-income individuals or families. Transportation is the third most cited problem that people mention when coming to North Hills Community Outreach for help. Vehicles in any condition donated to NHCO’s Transportation Assistance program are sold at auction; funds received help local people in need overcome transportation challenges including car repairs, inspection, car seats, bus passes and more. NHCO can accept vehicles from anywhere in the country, and there is FREE pickup or towing and a hassle-free donation process. Please visit nhco.org or call 412-408-3830 x 3225. Please note that Community Auto is no longer a program of NHCO.
NHCO urgently seeks one-time volunteers to conduct home safety checks
North Hills Community Outreach seeks volunteer groups or individuals to do home safety checks for seniors, either once or on a regular basis. Volunteers need to complete simple background checks. The volunteer session includes a brief training, and then volunteers pair up to visit homes of local seniors to do safety assessments for fire and fall hazards, and install smoke detectors. People wishing to volunteer or seniors who would like a safety check should contact Cathy Pschirer at 412-307-0069 x 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org .
NHCO’s Pathways program offers goal-setting help for those who are struggling
North Hills Community Outreach’s free Pathways program helps low-income people set goals such as employment or education. Our coordinators meet one on one with people to coach, set short- and long-term goals and provide free resources and support. Appointments are available. For information, call Abby in North Boroughs (Bellevue) at 412-307-0069, Nicole in Millvale at 412-408-3830 or Shela in McKees Rocks at 412-331-1685 ext. 233.
Ask the Attorney sessions for low-income families
Free 30-minute legal consultation for non-criminal issues such as divorce, bankruptcy, credit issues, family matters, rent disputes and more is available for families in need at alternating North Hills Community Outreach locations the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. except December. The next ATA session is November 14 in NHCO North Boroughs. Attendees MUST preregister for these sessions by contacting Jackie at jmboggs@nhco.org or 412-408-3830 x 3217.
Employment help is available at NHCO
North Hills Community Outreach offers free help with career counseling, updating a resume, job search techniques and more. Please contact NHCO Resource Coordinator Jackie Boggs at jmboggs@nhco.org or 412-408-3830 x 3217.
NHCO speakers are available
North Hills Community Outreach’s staff or volunteer speakers are available at no charge to speak to your congregation, business, civic group or school about NHCO’s programs and volunteer opportunities, or to staff an NHCO information table at your community event. For more information or to schedule a speaker, please contact Jen at JLKissel@nhco.org or 412-487-6316 opt 1 x 3112.