Seasonal Sharing Projects Help Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, NHCO conducts seasonal "sharing projects" to help low-income families in need. In order to qualify, the family must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The aim behind all of these projects, and all of our programs, is to treat families with dignity and respect (allowing them to choose their own winter coat or backpack, for example).

Donations and volunteers for these projects are always needed and welcome. Contact Sharing Projects Coordinator Judy Murchak at 412-487-6316, option 1, if you need help or want to help others.

Spring Share - Grocery certificates and candy for children's Easter baskets are distributed in March or April (depending on when Easter falls). Sometimes gift cards for shoes or clothes are also distributed, when they are available.

Back-to-School Supplies - Children in grades K-12 receive a new backpack brimming with age-appropriate school supplies in August. Backpacks and supplies for ALL ages are needed, from pre-school through college. Department store certificates for school clothing are also appreciated. Items may be donated throughout the summer.

Winter Coat Shop - Every September/October, we collect and distribute hundreds of gently worn, clean coats at our Winter Coat Shops in October and November. Coats must be CLEAN as we do not have the funds or facilities to wash them.

Turkey on Every Table - Beginning in October, NHCO collects grocery store certificates, food baskets and financial donations to provide a complete, nourishing Thanksgiving dinner to local families. The following food items make up a complete dinner bag:

• 1 large box stuffing mix
• 1 large box instant mashed potatoes
• 1 15 oz can of cranberry sauce
• 2 16 oz cans of vegetables
• 1 box of pie crust mix
• 1 29 oz can of "easy" pumpkin pie mix
• 1 12 oz can of evaporated milk
• 1 box of muffin mix
• 1 package of turkey gravy mix
• 1 package of napkins
• 1 grocery certificate for $10 or more (to purchase a turkey, etc.)

Sharing Holiday Warmth - Each eligible family receives up to $75 in certificates (as funds allow) to apply to their gas, electric and food bills. Knowing that they are receiving this help, the families are then able to purchase their own gifts for their children and other loved ones. Beginning in November, please send donations to NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101, and mark "Sharing Holiday Warmth " on the subject line. All donations qualify for a tax deduction.

Holiday Sports Share - Youth in middle and high school are sometimes overlooked during holiday toy drives; that's where our Sports Share project comes in! In November and December, we collect donations of new sporting and physical activity equipment and games to be distributed to youth from local low-income families. We hope that this program will engage these kids in physical activity and encourage their participation on school and community sports teams. To donate, contact Helen Michael at 412-487-6316, option 2, x3211.