Dedicated NHCO Supporters Honored on Special Night

McCandless Crossing Commitment Recognized 

Because of years of support and a recent fundraiser that was both successful and delicious, the popular shopping center was presented with NHCO’s People Helping People Award. The annual award is presented to businesses, organizations or individuals who exemplify NHCO’s mission by supporting our community with kind acts of service, fundraising and a dedication to fighting suburban poverty.

In March, Michele Kisthardt, Marketing Director with McCandless Crossing, helped organize a Chocolate Walk fundraiser. Participants paid to visit several businesses and pick up chocolate treats, with all the proceeds going to NHCO.

“We’re always looking for new event ideas and a town I used to live in hosted a successful Chocolate Walk with their downtown merchants for many years,” Michele said. “I thought that could work well at McCandless Crossing. It turns out people in the North Hills LOVE chocolate and are happy to support a good cause.” Michele cites NHCO’s valuable service to our community as her reason for picking us as the fundraiser’s beneficiary.

"Michele did all the legwork,” said Director of Development Lizzy Zimmerman. “She got the vendors to participate and donate chocolates to the attendees. She solicited donations for our grand prize gift basket and helped with guest check-ins and other tasks on the day of the event. She was the brains behind creating a brand new fundraiser that was a sell-out, smashing success that raised almost $6,000."

The Chocolate Walk was not the first event with McCandless Crossing. For the past three years, they have held food drives, fundraisers and helped raise awareness of our organization. Our bell ringers have a station there during the holiday season and NHCO’s Santa Claus takes part in the annual tree lighting.

NHCO Power Couple in the Spotlight 

Mary and Mike Weber got a big surprise at the event as well. For the first time in NHCO history, a second People Helping People Award was given. Because the Webers embody NHCO’s mission in every way possible, it seemed very fitting to recognize the couple with the award.

“I would say we were VERY SURPRISED! As volunteers, you never look for accolades or recognition, you usually do it because you want to help others and don't expect anything in return. So the fact that we were recognized was very humbling,” Mary said. “We greatly appreciated the award.”

They conceived and crafted NHCO’s Charity Golf Outing, now named the Lauren Billy Memorial Golf Outing in memory of their daughter. For five years, the event has raised more than $130,000 and has become so popular that it sold out within days this past year.

“We ourselves had been to so many golf outings for other charities and knew what we enjoyed most at attending outings, so we incorporated those ideas into our own outing while raising money to help NHCO,” Mary said.

For more than twenty years, Mary has volunteered with NHCO to assist with office tasks. Five years ago, Mike joined NHCO’s Board of Directors, volunteered with our Free Tax Program and drove our Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle. They’ve both helped with our food pantries and a holiday toy drive.

For their past, present and future support – and for their enthusiastic attitude and innovative ideas – NHCO is proud to have the Webers as part of our family.

“Getting to and from work is hard now. My job is very physical, and I can no longer pick anything up.” Vicki said. “They (volunteers) have come in to move all my heavy boxes to storage, happily move things around as I just stand there and point. They even brought me flowers and wine. I am so grateful for everyone's kindness and caring!” 

Recently, a volunteer drove Vicki to work while another assisted her out of the car. Another volunteer helped her sort through donated winter coats, while another assisted with administrative tasks. All this is happening while Vicki cruised on a knee scooter while wearing a foot brace that resembled a ski boot.

Paul, a dedicated volunteer with NHCO’s pantries and Sharing Projects, and will do whatever is asked. “She’ll yell at me if I don’t,” Paul jokingly laughed in a very endearing way. It’s obvious they have a wonderful friendship. “We all help each other,” he later added.

Wendy, Vicki’s main sidekick, volunteers with our Sharing Projects, and sometime drives Vicki to work. "Vicki has always been my boss and I consider her a friend,” Wendy said. "We are a family here. NHCO and all of the volunteers and staff are doing the work God wants us to do."

NHCO’s Education Assistance Program Provides an Important Tool

Latasha, a single mother of three, could not afford a computer to use while pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. She learned about NHCO’s Education Assistance Program, applied and was awarded the 2024 fall semester grant.

“As a cybersecurity student, having a reliable and powerful computer is essential for my coursework, especially the intense coding projects,” Latasha said. “The new MacBook has significantly improved my workflow and allows me to complete assignments more efficiently. It's been a game-changer!”

NHCO’s Education Assistance Program provides grants to nontraditional students to further their education. Grants depend on financial need and availability of funds, and applicants must live or attend college or post-secondary trade school in northern Allegheny County.

The divorced mother moved from Georgia to Pittsburgh because of its thriving tech industry. Through her future career, she hopes to empower other women who have also faced adversity by creating resources to help them become comfortable with computer technology. She also envisions a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.

But for now, she needs to learn the skills.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Education Grant Committee. This grant has been more than just financial assistance; it's been an investment in my future and my children's future,” Latasha added.

Learn more about this program at NHCO.org/education-assistance.

Young NHCO Volunteer Earns President’s Volunteer Service Award

Fifteen-year-old Ankit Pamula was honored at this year’s NHCO Community Leaders Breakfast Presented by Clearview Federal Credit Union in October. The national award recognizes the importance of volunteers in our communities. 

To qualify for the award, Ankit needed to volunteer for 100 hours within 12 months. Impressively, he completed 103 hours within just three months. He volunteered at NHCO’s Community Garden in Bellevue where fresh produce is grown then distributed to our food pantries.

He also volunteered with the Heritage Valley Health System Foundation, a fundraising organization that supports several health centers.

Ankit is the second NHCO volunteer to earn the award. In 2022, Arshia Zaidi volunteered for 104 hours. She now leads NHCO’s Teen Leadership Coalition (TLC), a group of teenage community leaders who are dedicated to furthering NHCO’s mission of addressing the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty. You can learn more at NHCO.org/tlc.

Students Collect Costumes to Honor Late Classmate's Love of Halloween

Eleven-year-old Roxy tragically passed last summer. Jill, her teacher at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, wanted to honor her memory by holding a costume collection because Halloween was Roxy’s favorite holiday. 

“I saw my students feeling so much loss and sadness. And I felt that too,” Jill remembered. “I wanted to find a place to put our grief and create some happiness in honor of our friend and student.”

Teachers, students, neighbors and strangers donated more than 250 costumes. Jill delivered them to NHCO’s Sharing Project Coordinator who handed them out to children during our winter coat distributions in mid-October. 

Jill appreciates how NHCO “helps neighbors so kindly and respectfully,” and has donated to our food pantry in the past. She also knew we collect other goods that benefit our clients.

“Our school community is full of loving, kind and empathetic people. We loved our Roxy and know she will be smiling down at all of those happy kids who will now be able to enjoy the Halloween holiday,” Jill added.

A large portion of what we distribute to those in need is donated. And holding a collection is a great way to help.

Do you have an idea for a collection?Please contact Abby Kelly, Development Coordinator, 412-487-6316 x3205 , aekelly@NHCO.org

It’s a First! Chickens to Call NHCO Garden Home

Fluffy and feathered creatures that waddle through NHCO’s community garden as if they own the place might be NHCO’s hardest working and most diverse team. They eat unwanted plants and pests while spreading nutrient rich compost. They will also be supplying our food pantries with farm-fresh eggs once they mature. And they are quirky, cute and comedic.

“We love having the chickens! They eat bugs, slugs and weeds that compete with our vegetables. After they’re done grazing, they go back to their coop. Soon they will lay eggs, which will supply our pantry clients with fresh protein,” said Garden Coordinator Kate Robson. ”And on top of all that, they have huge personalities that brighten everyone’s day at the garden.”

NHCO’s community-supported organic garden grows and distributes more than 4,000 pounds of fresh produce annually to our food pantries. The nutrient-dense eggs will provide another health option to our clients.

“We will be sending an average of ten-and-a-half dozen farm fresh eggs to the food pantries each month. This would add an additional 190 pounds of produce to our garden total yearly.” Kate added. “And the chicken coop only takes up 4 feet by 8 feet. This would be the most productive square footage in the garden.”

You can learn more about the garden and volunteer opportunities at NHCO.org/garden.

Please visit NHCO.org/volunteer to see how you can volunteer with NHCO.

If you're interested in volunteering and/or have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Harriet Klatte
Volunteer Coordinator
412-487-6316 x3204
hzklatte@nhco.org

Group and youth volunteer opportunities are also available.

Both volunteers and older adults benefit through NHCO's Friendly Visiting Program.

This opportunity would involve spending time with an older neighbor in their home, engaging in activities such as assembling puzzles, reading, watching TV or playing board games. Or, if driving clearances are obtained, you may take them out for coffee, lunch or even the movies! Preferably this would be once a week, but at least once every two weeks. 

"There is extensive research that demonstrate that depression and loneliness are major issues that lead to decreased quality of life among the elderly, and that socialization has significant health advantages. Our Friendly Visiting Program is so beneficial because it opens up opportunities for the social needs of our older neighbors to be met through one-on-one interactions with kind, caring volunteers."

- Gregg Brunner, Older Adults Outreach & Volunteer Specialist

NHCO's Sharing Projects and Other Ways to Help

Sharing Project and food donations can be dropped off at any of our three offices Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. Our Allison Park location also accepts donations the first Saturday of the month between 9am-noon.

Holiday Toy Shop, November 11 - December 11

Every holiday season, NHCO holds a toy collection, allowing hundreds of children in need to have a memorable holiday. Last year, 747 Children received new toys, games, and other gifts for the holidays.

Here are a few toy and gift ideas: You can order from our Amazon Wish List and have the gifts delivered directly to NHCO.

• Gift cards for clothing stores, Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc. (teens loves these!)

• Board games

• Puzzles and Books

• Plush blankets

• Bath/body items

• Craft kits and art supplies

• Sports equipment

• Ear buds, phone chargers, other phone accessories 

• Popular toys

• Makeup kits

Seven Easy Ways to Donate

1. NHCO.org/donate

2. Text NHCO to 44-321

3. Call our staff accountant to make a donation over the phone: Lin Kostura, 412-487-6316 x3131

4. Send a check to:
North Hills Community Outreach
1975 Ferguson Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

5. Corporate Matching Gifts - Multiply your gift with a donation match from your employer. Visit NHCO.org/matching-gifts to see if your donation will be matched. Learn more at NHCO.org/corporate-matching-gifts

6. Become a monthly donor. It's easy and automatic. Please visit NHCO.org/donate and choose "monthly."

7. Planned giving - This opportunity allows donors to leave a lasting legacy to NHCO and the community we serve. Learn more at NHCO.org/legacy.

A food pantry client (right) grabs a bag of personal care items and treats from Avalon Elementary School students. The children are members of the school's Kindness Club, who spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day collecting and bagging the items, and then donated them to local charities.

A large portion of what NHCO distributes is donated. Interested in holding a collection? Please contact:
Abby Kelly
Development Coordinator
412-487-6316 x3205
aekelly@NHCO.org

Thank You Notes!

"Cathy, wanted to share that the volunteer who worked with my mom today was wonderful! My mom loved Kathy (with a “K”) and felt she was helpful and kind and a huge help to her. My mom told her that she made her day! Can’t recall her ever saying that to anyone before. We are very grateful and thankful for this service!"

- A note to from the daughter of an older adult who is in our Senior Program to Cathy Pschirer, NHCO's In Service of Seniors Coordinator

"I want to take the time to thank you all for what you gave to me today. The jacket for my son is beyond perfect and he’s going to freak out! He absolutely loves the Steelers. Literally it will be so loved. And for me to get a brand new winter coat is such a huge help. It’s going to come in so handy when I have car rider duty at school this year since I substitute teach, so truly thank you."

- A family who received winter jackets through NHCO’s Winter Coat Sharing Project