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By: Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C
In November, I shared a variety of giving options for this holiday season. As promised, I am sharing a second feature geared towards the December holidays. I sincerely hope these have been helpful in identifying new and thoughtful ways to lean into giving, as well as providing resources for those seeking some extra help this time of year.
Play it Forward: Pittsburgh Toy Drive
This is one of my absolute favorite organizations and events to highlight. With Play it Forward, you can donate your gently used toys to be packaged and donated to families in need. Play it Forward is celebrating their 14th year of operation this year and continues to be a source of hope and comfort to so many in our communities. his year’s drive will be held December 9-14, per their website, and receiving toys does require online registration. The event is held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown this year. Please see their website for further information regarding donating, receiving and financial giving: http://www.playitforwardpittsburgh.com/
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square is in full swing, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. through Dec. 23. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is looking for volunteers who can encourage visitors to take a photo with Santa for a suggested donation of $10 to the food bank. There is no age limit to volunteer for this opportunity. Please see their website to sign up for a shift, as well as explore other donation opportunities for holiday meals: https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/
The Salvation Army
The organization famous for their red kettles and bells is seeking volunteers to ring bells at several locations across our area. They’re set up this year in front of Kuhn’s on Banksville Road, Sam’s Club in Monroeville, Giant Eagle Market District in Shadyside, and the Giant Eagle on Monroeville Boulevard, as well as other locations. Family volunteers are welcome. Donors can give cash or scan a QR code from a poster at the site, which is an added convenience in donating. Please see their website for information regarding bell ringing and general giving:
Stuff-a-Bus, Benefitting Marines Toys-for-Tots
An iconic Pittsburgh event, 96.1 KISS FM’s Stuff-a-Bus collects new, unwrapped toys every year for donation to Toys-for-Tots. The number of buses filled seems to only grow each time, and it’s an incredible to see the outpouring of generosity. They will be collecting toys from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Monday, Dec. 2, through Thursday, Dec. 5, outside Home Goods in Robinson Town Center. For more information or to make a monetary donation to the cause via the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, please visit: https://961kiss.iheart.com/calendar/content/2024-12-02-961-kiss-stuff-a-bus-2024/
Washington Area Humane Society
Something I look forward to every year is the Giving Tree initiative through WAHS. Christmas trees are placed in various area businesses with wish tags sharing the name of a shelter pet and something they need. Items may also be purchased through WAHS Amazon Wishlist and sent directly to the shelter. Gift ideas include toys, food, hygiene items, leashes and even sponsorship for healthcare and adoption fees. Please see their website for additional information: https://www.washingtonpashelter.org/
Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: Adopt-a-Family
This initiative allows you to adopt a family at the shelter for the holidays, providing gift cards to women, which allows them to provide their children with holiday gifts. During a time of grave uncertainty and strife, your support offers hope and some happiness during the holiday season. You can sign up to be a donor via the website and purchase gift cards to be mailed directly to the organization’s PO Box. Learn more here: https://wcspittsburgh.org/adopt-a-family-tis-the-season-for-giving-the-gift-of-empowerment/
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and happy, healthy New Year!
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