Changing Ideas award . The Home Delivery services have enabled volunteers to take food directly to 1,500 vulnerable households , mostly seniors and those experiencing mobility challenges .
The organization also launched Community Takeout to financially support local restaurants and service workers while providing 15,000 meals for people in need . Partnering with several local nonprofits , the 412 Food Rescue team also coordinated food delivery to school bus stops , bringing 24,000 meals within safe walking distance of students who depend on free and reduced-price lunch programs .
Contributing to these efforts have been the 2,800 new volunteers in Pittsburgh alone who have downloaded the app since March .
THE SALVATION ARMY WESTERN PA DIVISION LAUNCHES 2020 RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN : ‘ RESCUE CHRISTMAS ’
When Sonja Bey recalls her family ’ s bare cupboards , empty refrigerator , and hollowed out freezer as the COVID-19 pandemic left them financially devastated , she can ’ t help but break down and cry .
“ I cry because The Salvation Army filled them up and made sure we had plenty ,” she said .
The Salvation Army Western PA Division continues to help those like the Bey family across 28 counties in the region , launching its 2020 Red Kettle Campaign , Rescue Christmas . The organization is now stationing its iconic red kettles at local retailers where people can donate safely to support local feeding programs and more in the spirit of the season .
The Western PA Division ’ s Kettle Fundraising Goal is $ 2.3 million , and its goal for Allegheny County is $ 520,000 .
Ways to Donate : Visit salvationarmywpa . org /
RescueChristmas and donate online . Donate digitally with Apple Pay or
Google Pay at a physical red kettle .
Ask Amazon Alexa to donate by saying , “ Alexa , donate to The Salvation Army ,” then specifying the amount .
Give any amount by texting “ KETTLES ” to 91999 .
With spare change and cash at a physical red kettle at your local retailer .
Shop at Walmart and “ round up ” your purchase with a donation at a cash register or online .
The Salvation Army ’ s Annual Red Kettle Campaign supports families and individuals in need in the community with utility , rental , and food assistance , clothing and other basic needs , and free youth and senior programming .
The Salvation Army Western PA Division provided 256,054 meals and 72,118 food boxes during the first three months of the pandemic , equal to 70 % of the total meals and 50 % of the total food boxes provided throughout the 12 months of last fiscal year . It is estimated that it will serve up to 155 % more people this year with Christmas assistance : helping to put food on the table and pay bills , offering a safe place of shelter and warmth , and providing gifts and toys for children .
The Salvation Army is implementing COVID-19 safety protocols and requirements at all red kettles to ensure the health and safety of bell ringers and donors . Volunteers and additional kettle sites are always needed . Call 412.446.1500 to contact your local Salvation Army for more information .
PITTSBURGH OPERA REVISES ITS 2020-21 SEASON
In response to ongoing COVID-19 uncertainty and concerns , Pittsburgh Opera modified its 2020-21 season , the company ’ s 82nd . Rather than perform six operas at a total of four different venues , the season is consisting of four operas all at the same location .
The operas of the 2020-21 season will all be performed in the George R . White Opera Studio (“ the GRW ”) at Pittsburgh Opera ’ s headquarters at 2425 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh ’ s Strip District . Each opera has been scheduled for six performances . The remaining three are : “ Soldier Songs ” –
Dec . 5 , 8 , 11 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 2020 “ Semele ” –
Feb . 20 , 23 , 26 , 28 ; March 2 , 4 , 2021 “ Charlie Parker ’ s Yardbird ” –
Apr . 10 , 13 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 2021
The GRW normally seats 195 patrons . In keeping with social distancing best practices , the seating will be reconfigured to accommodate far fewer patrons based on the prevailing guidelines for gatherings at the time of the performances .
In addition , Pittsburgh Opera will follow enhanced safety protocols such as conducting temperature checks for all patrons , artists , and staff ; requiring patrons and staff to wear masks ; professional cleaning of the studio after every performance ; strict and structured audience traffic flows ; socially distanced seating ; and more .
At least one performance of each production will be livestreamed so that people who are unable to obtain tickets will still be able to experience it .
Given the date and venue changes , all patrons who have already purchased tickets to “ Soldier Songs ” and “ Charlie Parker ’ s Yardbird ” may exchange their tickets for any available production in the newly constituted 2020-21 season . Pittsburgh Opera has been contacting all current ticketholders to discuss what options will be most satisfying to them .
Any ticketholders for any performance who wish to exchange their tickets free of charge for another performance , would like a refund , or are unable to attend and would like to donate the value of their tickets to Pittsburgh Opera may do so . The remaining four operas from Pittsburgh Opera ’ s originally planned 2020-21 season are being rescheduled .
Single and group ticket sales , subject to availability , and up-to-date information on performances can be found at pittsburghopera . org . n
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS ❘ WINTER 2020 9