Best Ways To Celebrate World Humanitarian Day In Pittsburgh
By Jessica Wasik
There's a saying that goes, "If it's not 'your day' then try to make someone else's." What better way to do so than by volunteering your time to help those in need. August 19 is World Humanitarian Day, a day to do just that and to celebrate the countless aid workers who donate their time to humanitarian service while encouraging others to participate and campaign for humanitarian action. Throughout the Pittsburgh area, organizations and groups are actively seeking Pittsburghers to assist with a variety of events and daily efforts. Find out how you can join in World Humanitarian Day in your city by exploring one of these causes and activities.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's Community Harvest
1 N. Linden St.
Duquesne, PA 15110
(412) 460-3663
www.pittsburghfoodbank.org
If you have a green thumb, The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank can use your help! It regularly hosts a Community Harvest, a program designed to provide home gardeners with a place to donate fresh grown produce to local member agencies. A growing number of participating agencies are being added on a consistent basis, which means the Food Bank needs Community Harvest donations more than ever. Using The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's online donation times calendar on its website makes it convenient and easy to see when and where you may contribute your homegrown vegetables and fruits. In addition to other programs like SNAP Sign-up, Produce to People and Senior Boxes (CSFP), the Community Harvest program is just one of the many ways this organization is giving back to its community.
Habitat For Humanity
6435 Frankstown Ave, Suite 100
Pittsburgh PA 15206
(412) 450-8520
www.pittsburghhabitat.org
No matter how handy you are around the house, there's a place for your skills within the Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity. The organization is in constant need of volunteers with a variety of skill sets and talents to contribute their time, work and materials to build a better community within western Pennsylvania. Year-round projects are being completed to help rehabilitate, construct and rejuvenate homes and the Pittsburgh area. Volunteer individually or as a a group on the Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity's website, where you can also find a list of upcoming events in your area.
Schenley Park Volunteer Sweeps
Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.pittsburghparks.org
Date: Aug. 23, 2017 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy those last fleeting days of summer by spending some time outdoors at your local park. Schenley Park holds frequent volunteer events, including its volunteer sweeps that welcome Pittsburghers to join the Park Conservancy staff in keeping this park in tip-top shape. For two hours, you can help enhance the health and appearance of beautiful Schenley Park by weeding invasive plants, taming vines and picking up litter throughout the park. Each season presents a new set of tasks that need to be accomplished. Training, as well as tools and gloves, are provided at the event. Register to lend a hand on the Pittsburgh Parks website under its events' calendar.
Related: Best Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities For Families In Pittsburgh
Weekend Downtown Beautification
Downtown Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
www.pittsburghcares.org
Date: Aug. 19, 2017 at 10 a.m.
The downtown Pittsburgh area is a unique and beautiful space within the region. Help keep it that way by donating your time on World Humanitarian Day to its Saturday Downtown Beautification event. Just 50 spots are available for volunteers to pitch in by contributing your time and skills to a project that will impact the entire community. In doing so, you'll also meet have the opportunity to socialize with other Pittsburghers, get to know your neighborhood and spend some time in the city's gorgeous green spaces. If you can't make this particular weekend, be sure to keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Cares volunteer calendar for additional opportunities and activities.
Donate Fashion - Save Homeless Pets
WearWoof
3400 McIntyre Square Drive
Pittsburgh, AP 15237
(412) 315-5441
www.wearwoof.org
Make space in your closet for a new fall wardrobe by filling others' and all the while helping save homeless pets! Sound too good to be true? Not at WearWoof, Pittsburgh's upscale consignment boutique located at McIntyre Square in the North Hills. Proceeds from your unwanted clothing, handbag, accessories and shoe donations go directly to fund local shelters, community cat initiatives, community education/outreach and local spay-neuter programs. Donations are accepted at your convenience during store hours without an appointment. If you're looking for a more hands-on approach to donating with WearWoof, the boutique is always seeking volunteers to assist with its special events and within the shop.
Related: Best Volunteer Opportunities For Animal Lovers In Pittsburgh
