COVID-19 created numerous challenges for people, businesses, and nonprofits throughout 2020. Now, as the year winds down and we enter the holiday season, some members of our community require a little extra support so they can enjoy the holidays.
Pittsburgh’s nonprofits are stepping up. Through toy drives, food drives, and clothing drives, many organizations are working hard to give everyone the necessities for another holiday season. If you’re interested in giving back before the season is over, consider supporting a local nonprofit.
2020 has been a long, difficult year for everyone, children included. You can help to brighten a young Pittsburgher’s holiday season by donating a gift! Some organizations, like Play It Forward, have already accepted and distributed all of their toy donations this year, but there are others you can still contribute to.
Like many nonprofits, Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes has seen a dramatic decrease in donations this year, so they’ve made a special request for financial support in 2020. Your donations allow Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes to buy toys for children, which they distribute through UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Beverly’s Birthdays, Pittsburgh Police, and other local departments.
During Batch-A-Toys, Best of the Batch Foundation supports more than 150 families in Allegheny County by providing meals, household supplies, and, of course, toys during the holiday season. You still have time to drop off new, unwrapped toys before December 21 at one of the nonprofit’s 20+ drop sites.
COVID-19 and the resulting safety mandates pushed some Pittsburgh food banks to temporarily close, but many have responded with creative tactics that allow them to continue safely distributing food.
As one of Pittsburgh’s largest resources for battling food insecurity, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a leader in responsibly and economically sourcing meals for families. In fact, a single $100 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank can provide 500 meals to people in need!
412 Food Rescue uses technology to connect businesses that have excess food with volunteers who can distribute those resources to people in need. You can donate extra food and supplies to 412 Food Rescue, but the nonprofit also accepts monetary donations.
Despite the hurdles related to the pandemic, a few nonprofits have continued their mission of ensuring everyone stays warm through another cold Pittsburgh winter.
Every year, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh holds its annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive in honor of the Pittsburgh area native and television icon. If you’d like to donate a lightly used sweater, jacket, or blanket, act quickly! The drive runs until December 17 this year.
Pittsburgh Mercy regularly distributes basic necessities to the homeless through its mobile medical unit, its Wellspring Drop-In Center, and its Winter Shelter. Pittsburgh Mercy accepts donations of new boots, hats, mitts, scarves, sleeping bags, socks, underwear, and winter coats.
With your help, Pittsburgh nonprofits (and the people who rely on them) can have a wonderful 2020 holiday season.
At Dugan & Associates, we’re inspired by the contributions these nonprofits have made in our community. If you’d like to learn more about our community engagement or our legal work, contact us.
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