IN Bethel Park Winter 2019 | Page 14

LOOP IN THE C O N T I N U E D single-card system, provide free access to materials through a shared catalog, jointly offer downloadable books, audios, and videos as well as online databases, and support a diverse calendar of programs. But it isn’t just the resources and programs that patrons love about libraries. Libraries also provide a unique and safe place where one will find curious people from all ages and walks of life, which truly represents the diverse and multi-ethnic population of Allegheny County. Allegheny County’s libraries have continued to thrive and meet the needs of our communities by providing services that people demand in a world where information, technology and forms of delivery are changing rapidly. Our brick-and-mortar buildings and e-based resources will continue to evolve and respond to the needs of residents. Learners of all ages are encouraged to take some time to visit their local library and see all it has to offer. FREE TAX ASSISTANCE BY VITA Free Tax Assistance by VITA will be provided at The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. (From South Hills Village: South 5 mi. on Washington Rd., Right at light onto Gallery Drive, .4 mi. to VITA site.) Assistance will be provided weekdays, starting Monday, Feb. 3, through Thursday, Apr. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments. First-come, first- served basis. Must bring: Last year’s tax return; ID for yourself and spouse; Social Security numbers and birthdates for yourself, spouse and dependents; all W-2 and 1099 tax documents (including Social Security 12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ 1099), 1095 health care statements and property tax receipts. Both spouses must sign joint returns. Federal, state, local taxes and property tax/rent rebate forms are prepared. Questions? Call the IRS at 800.829.1040. Online, search “VITA” at irs.gov. (Please do not contact The Bible Chapel.) GIFT DONATION DROP- OFF LOCATIONS FOR HOLIDAY PROJECT TO BENEFIT VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH The Department of Human Services’ Holiday Project is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children and youth who receive services through the department’s Office of Children, Youth and Families. While all gift donations are appreciated, there is a need for: • Warm winter wear for ages 0-18 (hats, gloves, mittens, scarves) • Baby necessities (blankets, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, bibs) • Board games for all ages – to be played individually, with siblings, or as a family • Dolls and action figures in a full range of skin tones • Sports equipment, including basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls • LEGO and Mega Bloks sets • Craft kits and art supplies • Remote control vehicles Unwrapped gifts will be collected through Friday, Dec. 6, and may be taken to: Curves 301 Old Washington Pike Carnegie, PA 15106 Emily’s Hair Zone 304 Curry Hollow Road Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 Keystone Canine Club 5167 Brownsville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to “The icmags.com DHS Donation Fund” with “Holiday Project” written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to Holiday Project Coordinator, Department of Human Services, One Smithfield Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Opportunities to receive and fulfill a child’s wish list are also available. To request a child’s name and wish list and/or for more information about this process, please contact the Event and Donations team at eventanddonationsteam@ alleghenycounty.us or 412.350.3428. For additional information about the Holiday Project, drop-off locations, times, and for a list of gift ideas, visit alleghenycounty.us/dhs/ holidayproject.aspx. ONE-OF-A-KIND CAR DONATION PROGRAM Community Auto, part of The Lighthouse Foundation, is a nonprofit low income car ownership program. It accepts donated cars, repairs and inspects them if necessary, then sells them to qualified working low-income people at discounted prices, as compared to a regular used car dealership. According to the organization, it’s the only one of its kind in western Pennsylvania that puts cars back into the hands of families in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The used car sitting in the garage that you didn’t sell because it was a hassle, the car that didn’t get the trade-in value you wanted, or one the kids used for school but is no longer needed would be the perfect car to donate. Your generous donation is the fuel for the program and is tax deductible. Contact Community Auto at communityautolico.org or at 724.538.5081 to find out how to donate your car and give a family a hand toward self-sufficiency. n