’ Tis the Season
Let the season shine bright for all this year . Get family , friends , or coworkers together to volunteer or donate to a local program . Here are just some of the amazing organizations in the area that could use an extra hand to help those in need . BY MANDIE GIAMBRONI
The Spirit of Giving for the Whole Family
Best of the Batch Foundation : Batch-A-Toys Program
Address : Check the website for drop-off locations at various businesses in the South Hills . Contact : batchfoundation . org / batch-a-toys or 412.326.0119
Each year , Best of the Batch Foundation adopts more than 150 Allegheny County families to be Batch-A-Toys recipients . Together with your family , you can donate toys and essential household items to fulfill a family ’ s needs this holiday season . Former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch leads the effort along with hundreds of volunteers , donors , and partner sites for donation collection and an annual Wrapping Party . The foundation also accepts monetary donations and has volunteer opportunities throughout the year .
Jubilee Kitchen
Address : 2005 Wyandotte Street , Pittsburgh ( Lower Hill District ) Contact : jubileesoupkitchen . com or 412.261.5417
Help to serve the warmth of a meal this winter to those in need . Families with children over 13 can volunteer their time to engage in conversation and service at the Jubilee Soup Kitchen . Teach your family the importance of honoring human dignity while serving a nourishing meal to members of the Pittsburgh community . Learn more by visiting the website .
Play it Forward Pittsburgh
Address : Check the website for drop-off locations south of Pittsburgh . Contact : playitforwardpittsburgh . com
Teach your kids how to make another child ’ s holiday special ! Play it Forward Pittsburgh is collecting gently used toys and
offering them free to families in need . Donate your own toys or offer to collect toys among your neighbors , moms group , or as a project through your service organization . Monetary donations are also accepted to cover expenses associated with the drive and much more . Play it Forward encourages parents and their kids to volunteer to unload vehicles , clean and sanitize toys , and sort donations . You can also support the organization when you shop at smile . amazon . com .
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Address : Check the website for all the South Hills locations . Contact : wpa . salvationarmy . org or 412.446.1637
A fun and festive family giving project ! The Salvation Army provides holiday cheer and support to thousands of our neighbors in need across Western Pennsylvania . There are many ways to volunteer , including as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army ’ s iconic red kettles . Groups are encouraged to “ take over ” a kettle for a day and have members sign up for shifts . Monetary donations are also accepted .
Toys for Tots of Northwestern Washington / Greene Counties
Address : Visit the website for drop-off locations . Contact : toysfortots . org / donate / Default . aspx or 724.225.2087 Let your child choose a toy to donate to the U . S . Marine Corps Reserve ’ s Toys for Tots Program . Toys for Tots collects new , unwrapped toys throughout the holiday season and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community . You can also make a monetary contribution or volunteer to assist in sorting , transporting , and storage of toys and more . Visit the website for more information .
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