Volunteerism and Giving
Volunteer Opportunities
Allegheny County Music Festival
The Allegheny County Music Festival Fund provides life-enriching items and opportunities for children receiving services from DHS or the Allegheny County Juvenile Court. Funds for these items and services are raised at the Allegheny County Music Festival, an annual benefit concert. Volunteers are needed to staff the concession stand, direct cars to parking spaces, collect donations from patrons and sell raffle tickets. Please contact Samantha Baer-McVicker at 412-350-6790 or samantha.baer@alleghenycounty.us to volunteer for the Allegheny County Music Festival.
Holiday Project
The Holiday Project provides gifts for children who are in families receiving services through the DHS Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), through donations from the public. Volunteers are needed to pick up gifts from donors and deliver them to CYF regional offices throughout the county. Please contact Samantha Baer-McVicker at 412-350-6790 or samantha.baer@alleghenycounty.us to volunteer for the Holiday Project.
Project Prom
Project Prom provides formal attire to eligible high school students. Volunteers are needed to assist in organizing and maintaining the shop and to help during the giveaway. Please contact Samantha Baer-McVicker at 412-350-6790 or samantha.baer@alleghenycounty.us to volunteer for Project Prom.
Embark! Mentoring of Young Adults
Young adults who are aging out of the child welfare system often do so without supports and connections to a permanent family. Mentors are always needed to donate their personal time to nurture the positive growth of a young adult. Contact Stacy Johnson at 412-350-6699 or Stacy.Johnson@AlleghenyCounty.us or JoAnn Hannah at 412-350-7153 or JHannah@AlleghenyCounty.us for more information.
Embark! Handbook
Join the Campaign to End Hunger
There are so many things you can do to help those in need of food. Write a check. Attend a special fund-raising event. Volunteer your time at the Food Bank. Sponsor a food drive. Take a tour of the Food Bank. Have someone from the Food Bank come speak to your class or group. For more information: www.pittsburghfoodbank.org or contact 412-460-FOOD
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
1 North Linden Street
Duquesne, PA 15110
Giving Opportunities
DHS relies on the generosity of County residents and organizations to provide special (seasonal) items listed below. DHS is only able to accept these items at the specified times of year. Alternative worthy charitable organizations can be found at the bottom of this page.
Monetary donations to any of the following projects can be made at any time. Please make checks payable to the “DHS Donation Fund” and include the name of the project on the memo line. Mail to DHS Donation Fund, c/o Samantha Baer-McVicker, DHS/OCR, One Smithfield Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Year Round Opportunities
Allegheny County Music Festival Fund
The Allegheny County Music Festival Fund provides life-enhansing items and opportunities for children receiving services through DHS or the Allegheny County Juvenile Court.
Project Prom
Project Prom provides formal attire to eligible high school students.
Holiday Project
The Holiday Project provides gifts for children who are in families receiving services through the DHS Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), through donations from the public. There are several ways to make a donation to the Holiday Project including purchasing a gift directly for a child, coordinating a gift drive, or making a monetary donation.
Accepted Items: NEW, unwrapped, toys, gifts and stocking stuffers for children and youth ages birth to 18 years. For suggestions and more information please visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/holidayproject.aspx.
19-and-over Fund
Donations benefit young adults who are aging out of the child welfare system and beginning their post-secondary education. Monetary donations and items that young adults might need when starting post-secondary education are welcomed. Donate or organize a dorm-supply drive by contacting Karen Neppach at 412-350-2766 or karen.neppach@alleghenycounty.us.
Books
New books for all ages are accepted for distribution to children, Senior Community Centers, CYF family visitation rooms, and others in need.
October through March only
Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES)
The SWES is open from November 15 through March 15 to accomdate homeless individuals overnight when the temperature dips below 25° F, and during a National Weather Service declared emergency weather situation. Contact Samantha Murphy at 412-350-2441 or samantha.murphy@alleghenycounty.us.
The following items will be distributed through the SWES. All must be NEW or gently used.
- Unopened toiletries
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Jeans
- Hats
- Gloves
- Mittens
- Sweaters/sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- New underclothing
- Thermal underwear
Other Donations
There are some items that DHS cannot accept. It is recommended that they be donated to the Alliance of Nonprofit Stores. The Alliance is a partnership of nonprofit charitable agencies in Western Pennsylvania that have joined forces to form the first collaborative effort in the history of Pittsburgh’s thrift and resale shops. “Proceeds from your purchases and donations support positive change throughout our communities.” Visit www.shopans.org for more details.
Items DHS does not accept
- Used Stuffed Animals (Please consider donating them to the Humane Society.)
- Used luggage
- Used clothing
- Used plush dolls
- Damaged books (i.e. written in, musty odor, water damaged, etc.)
- Opened toiletries
- Used arts and craft supplies or parts of craft sets (pipe cleaners, pompoms, etc.)
- Used school or office supplies
- Items with religious connotations
Great Nonprofits
Through the GreatNonprofits website, individuals can discover what a difference their involvement in a nonprofit can make. www.GreatNonprofits.org