It's Friendship Through Flowers, Thanks to New NHCO Project

Gregg was only a few months into his job at NHCO when he helped create a colorful way to connect with older adults. The In Service of Seniors Projects Coordinator was brainstorming with his coworkers on ways to brighten clients' lives in NHCO's older adult programs. The service helps older adults live with dignity at home by ensuring they are safe and healthy.

They came up with a simple solution – deliver flowers. Gregg contacted several flower shops for donations, and two offered to help to brighten their lives and offer another point of contact with volunteers.

Before picking up the flowers, he needed to recruit delivery volunteers, organize a time and place for them to meet, and create a list of older adults to receive the blooms. Flower recipients were going through a rough time, lived alone, or both. Passengers on our Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle also received flowers.

The first bouquet delivery was back in January to a woman recovering from surgery. Soon after, NHCO received a large donation in time for Valentine's Day, then again before Easter.

"Thank you very much for the beautiful vase of flowers," one senior wrote to NHCO. "I love them and they really brighten my day. Your volunteers are wonderful people and I appreciate them very much."

"The volunteers often spent time with the seniors. Having the volunteers actually sit down and chat with them is really the meaningful part." Gregg said "the flowers are just a vehicle for that to happen!"

About a dozen delivery volunteers made this project possible. They also benefited from the rewarding experience.

"The smiles on the faces of the seniors we have delivered to brings as much joy to us as it does to them," said Heather, who volunteered to make deliveries with her son Kaden.

So far, over 50 older adults received a bouquet or single flower. The project is ongoing and dependent on flower shop donations.

"We're so appreciative of all of the flower donations we've already received and look forward to being able to sow more seeds of love to our older neighbors in the future," said NHCO Programs and Outreach Manager Angela Collins.

To learn more about NHCO's In Service of Seniors Program, both the benefits offered and volunteer opportunities, please visit NHCO.org/services-for-older-adults

NHCO Helps Woman Forge New Life

Donors Say Giving Car to NHCO is Easy as 1-2-3

Lack of reliable transportation can be a problem for many clients who need to get to work, medical appointments, and more. NHCO's Transportation Assistance Program helps individuals stabilize their transportation needs by accepting and selling donated cars. The funds generated go towards car repairs, gas cards, bus passes, baby seats, and more.

"NHCO's vehicle donation program works two ways. It's a hassle-free service to the car owner who doesn't need the car

anymore, and a great way to support the programs that help our clients," said Dan Wonders, who oversees the program.

Chris is a corporate manager who donated his SUV over the holiday season. He lives in our service area, and sees supporting NHCO as "a true love-your-neighbors sort of opportunity."

"I get the bigger picture that any vehicle is worth something to your program," Chris said. "If getting to a job is the critical missing piece, you guys are filling a really important need for families."

Ginny recently retired from volunteering with NHCO after 20 years of service. And it was time for her to stop driving. In the past, she mentioned NHCO's Transportation Assistance program to her daughter Linda. When it was time for Ginny to hang up her car keys, Linda saw an opportunity to use the unused car to help others.

"I'm thinking, this is going to be a real pain in the neck to do," Linda remembered. "And it ended up being incredibly easy."

Interested in donating your unwanted car? Please contact Dan at 412-487-6316 x3225 • djwonders@nhco.org or fill out this form.

Creative Fundraising - Teen's Event Raised $7,800 for NHCO

“I like to make stuff happen,” Vincent, a North Allegheny High School senior, proudly said when asked why he organized 100 Miles to Meals, an event he created and organized. For $10, participants ran one mile on the North Allegheny Intermediate School track while competing for medals and restaurant gift cards. Food trucks, music, yard games, and a dunk tank we're also available.

Inspiration for this event came from his running coach, who organized a 200-mile relay in 1976 to celebrate the US Bicentennial.

“I chose NHCO because it allows people to donate to a cause that’s local. I grew up seeing that office on Ferguson everyday leaving my neighborhood, and I know how much you guys do for our community,” Vincent said. “Relationships are important and it is good to focus on building up the neighborhoods and people around you that are in need of help.”

NHCO is deeply appreciative of the many exciting ways supporters fundraise for us. If you have an idea for a fundraiser and need pointers and marketing material, please contact Abby Kelly, Development Coordinator, 412-487-6316 x3205 • aekelly@nhco.org.

Retired Doctor Promotes Good Health Through Donated Produce

Wally's a retired physician who's been buying and donating 450-500 pounds of fresh produce to every North Boroughs’ food pantry for the past 12 years. That's an average of three monthly pantries, totaling more than 400 drop-offs. Doing this gives him a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, and he feels very blessed and wants to give back.

"I can go get a beer and a hamburger anytime. A lot of folks we help don't have that option," he said.

The donations started soon after he volunteered at a food distribution and realized we needed more nutritional options. Being a doctor, he was obviously health conscious.

About four years ago, he retired from his medical practice and started running the cash register at his daughter's deli in downtown Pittsburgh. After work, they’d buy produce in The Strip, load it into her truck, and drive to NHCO's North Boroughs office.

As much as he does, he still feels his generosity needs to catch up. "There's such a need… I think we can bring more," Wally modestly added.

Learn how you can donate to NHCO’s food pantries at NHCO.org/food-pantry

Learn About NHCO’s Volunteer Opportunities at NHCO.org/Volunteer

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

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.

Back to School Supplies Collection, June 13 - August 6

Because of our generous supporters, 889 students received back to school supplies last year. This was an increase compared to previous years, so the need is there.

You can order items from our Amazon Wishlist and have them sent directly to our office.

We’re collecting:

• New backpacks

• Colored pencils

• 24-pack Crayons

• Erasers

• Glue sticks

• Highlighters and markers

• Loose-leaf paper

• Notebooks

• Binders

• Pens Pencils/mechanical pencils

• Pencil boxes and sharpeners

• Pocket folders

• Rulers

• Scissors

• TI graphing calculators for advanced high school science and math (Texas Instruments). These can be gently used, as long as they are working.

It's Easy and Automatic - A Monthly Way to Support NHCO 
Donors can now register for monthly recurring donations that are automatically deducted from their bank account, PayPal account, or credit card. When you sign up for monthly donations, you'll become an NHCO Community Connector. NHCO's Board of Directors will donate $100 up to 30K for every individual that becomes a Community Connector.

Please make your contribution today at NHCO.org/Donate and choose Monthly.

Corporate Matching Gifts
Double your impact with a matching gift or volunteer incentive grant from your employer. Many employers will match your financial donation in part or in full. Some will even financially match your volunteer hours.

Learn more at NHCO.org/Corporate-Matching-Gifts

Four Easy Ways to Donate to NHCO

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, opt. 1 x 3131

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

Corporate Matching Gifts
Double your impact with a matching gift or volunteer incentive grant from your employer. Many employers will match your financial donation in part or in full. Some will financially match your volunteer hours. Learn more at NHCO.org/Corporate-Matching-Gifts

Donate through United Way
Designate NHCO to receive all or part of your pledge through United Way's workplace campaign.
NHCO's contribution code is #2357

Fundraisers and Events

Thank You!

People such as yourself are a rarity... I'm so grateful that I was able to meet you!"
- Assistance Client

"I received an email confi rming grant help. Thank you so much for your assistance. You guys are so appreciated and help relieve burdens. I am very grateful."
-Utility Assistance Client

"Thank you for my freedom."
- Free Rides of Seniors Passenger

"Just wanted to wish you a Blessed filled day. You crossed my mind as I was thanking God for the help I've been given this month. YOU TRULY ARE AN ANGEL. Have a wonderful day."
- Utility Assistance Client

"Thank you for the surprise card I received and your kind words. Remember above all it takes a village to do good and you are heroes and leaders in our village!"
- In Service of Seniors Client