IN Shaler Winter 2016 | Page 27

Let Your Kids Be Santa’s E lves MARS HOME FOR YOUTH FAMILY SERVICES Address: 521 Route 228, Mars Contact: mhyfamilyservices.org, or 724.625.3141 A fun and festive family giving project! Surprise a child in need with a gift this holiday season. For over 135 years, MHY Family Services has been meeting the everchanging needs of youth and families in crisis. Today, it provides sanctuary to help youth and families heal from and cope with psychological and social trauma. Visit the website for ways to give, including participating in MHY’s Angel Tree program or donating gift cards, wish list items and monetary gifts. 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. Collect donations from your customers at your business, help provide supplies needed, or donate funds to pay for the expenses associated with the drive and much more. Visit the website for more information. UNION AID SOCIETY Address: 601 Thorn Street, Sewickley Contact: unionaidsociety.org, or 412.741.9240 NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH Encourage your family or community group to get involved in making a local family’s holiday extra special! The Union Aid Society, with area partners, helps eligible Quaker Valley School District families prepare for the holidays. Help by planning a Holiday Movie Night and, rather than appetizers, ask your guests to bring gift cards to donate to the society. Visit the website for information about volunteer and service project opportunities throughout the year. Address: Locations in Allison Park, Bellevue and Millvale Contact: nhco.org, or 412.487.6316 U.S. MARINE CORPS TOYS FOR TOTS A great idea for a neighborhood holiday toy drive that you and your kids can organize! Every holiday season, NHCO holds three Holiday Toy Shops throughout northern Allegheny County, allowing thousands of children in need to have memorable holidays. It collects new toys, games and other gifts in November and early December for all ages. Ideas for kids’ gifts are listed on the website along with other information. Drop-off Address: Bantam Marine Detachment #743, 413 South Main Street, Butler Contact: butler-pa.toysfortots.org/localcoordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx or 724.841.0431 PLAY IT FORWARD PITTSBURGH Address: Check the website for drop-off locations at businesses in the North Hills. Contact: playitforwardpittsburgh.com Teach your kids how to make another child’s holiday special! This program collects gently used toys and offers them Show your kids the true meaning of the season! The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during Oc