412 is such a great organization!…read more I started volunteering about two months ago and pick up rescues when I can - have done about a handful so far! Took my sister on one and she asks when we are doing the next one. Knowing that food does not get thrown away but gets to folks who can truly use it is such a great feeling - my first rescue was a SUV full of food that would have otherwise ended up in a dumpster--- I was speechless. The app they use to is easy to use and both the folks you pick up from and deliver to have been so grateful!

412 Food Rescue is doing amazing things for the Pittsburgh community during the Covid-19 outbreak…read more They are serving and helping in huge ways. Check out their website for more info!

I had the pleasure of volunteering here recently. I have volunteered throughout the city at…read moreseveral different nonprofits in the city and I have to say that this is one that probably touches more lives than any other in the city. What they do here is not a small feat. What goes into to what they accomplish here is many man hours of a dedicated workforce. On top of those that are employed this place also depends on the many that walk through those doors and chip in whenever they can. While here I was told that some of the volunteer days that they have planned are booked months in advance. The facility is top notch and runs like a well oiled machine. However they have said that they have already outgrown this facility space. Even though that may be the case, they don't let that stop their mission. The families that the GPCFB reach are many and without them would not be able to maintain a home life that is perceived as normal. What little you can give is greatly appreciated and there are donation bins inside the front doors. Did you know that they get more donations for items that are considered junk food than healthy food items? That trail mix does seem nutritious, but what really helps them out was that fruits, vegetables, meat and the like.

Hunger is one subject that rarely comes up in discussions about food. When the subject of hunger…read moredoes come up, it remains limited to talk of the developing world. It is difficult to think about the fact that adults and children here in the States are going to sleep with pangs in their stomachs. It's easier to think about where to get good pho instead. In 2009 it was reported that over 50 million Americans were living in "food insecure" households. It's cliche to ask this, but have you ever in your life had to wonder where your next meal might come from? I hope you haven't, but if you have, that's food insecurity. For some, the situation is temporary. For others it's a chronic hardship. In these dire, murky economic times where the gulf between the wealthy and the impoverished is only growing, food banks are as essential as they've ever been, and The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has been meeting that need throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for more decades than I've been alive. Annually, the Food Bank allocates 21 million pounds of food from their Duquesne warehouse via manifold avenues not limited to senior citizen centers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and pantries. And if you think that you will never find yourself relying on a food bank to feed you or your family, you should read this article from late last year... http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/11/22 Hunger is spreading, even into the supposedly lush, insulated suburbs. Food banks can help stifle and even reverse that tragic advancement. After all, you never know when the rug you're standing on will be yanked right out from under your feet, and yes it could be YOU someday. So, if you're not going to donate food or funds to the address above out of a concern for those who are not as privileged as you are, do so out of self-interest. As long as we support our local food banks, they will continue to be there for all of us if and when we need them. If you can't afford to give money, take a look inside your cupboard. Are you really planning on making something with that can of Cream of Mushroom Soup?

Great place to provide home goods for people in need. I'm glad they accessible to everyone!read more

Global Links is a great place to volunteer! Volunteers sort and package donated medical supplies…read moreto ship to 3rd world countries. Global Links is extremely organized and my time there is very well spent. It is a little intimidating at first if you dont know medical supplies, and few of the volunteers do, but the staff is SUPER helpful and patient!

From the owner: Improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities. Great volunteer opportunities for all…read moreages and all abilities. Donate medical supplies, mobility aids, nebulizers, and more. Help neighbors at home and abroad!

we love cats! can't say it any better! over 40 years, we've had 11 cats, 4 then 5, at a time. our…read moreoldest lived to 24 while the youngest was 11. when the 1st group had all died, we made it 2 weeks before we went & got our next 5! sadly, recently, the last of them died. once again, 2 weeks later, we needed the pitter patter of little feet! we got 7 year old lewis 1st from humane rescue. he looked so sad in his pictures. he had reason to be. his owner got sick, then died. his sibling died shortly after. he was left alone for i don't know how long. we thought it best to get him 1st, as he would be the oldest. great move! i saw seth at animal advocates. i should say, i'm a "ginger" lover! lewis is ginger, seth is too! he looked adorable. only 4 months old too! a baby! i am determined with these guys to either get them on leashes or in strollers, so we can go places & take them. we arrived at the store. it wasn't open as it was night time. the store is downstairs, while the cat adoptions are upstairs. funny story about the upstairs. it was where my childhood, & i mean early childhood dentist was! back then, everything was dark wood & stark walls. he scared the b-jesus out of me! he was so tall, from years of bending over, he had a hunch on his back. he wore the white "uniform". nightmares! but i digress. now, it's cheery & bright! as we were waiting to get seth, the woman asked if we would consider a 2nd kitten, 7 months old. ok! she gave us squeak to hang with until she got seth. she brought him over. immediately, we knew he was going to be a pistol! our family was now 5, & we were thrilled! we brought the boys home to meet lewis. everyone got along instantly! they all can't believe their good fortune to get us as parents! they have 2500 square feet of house. every room has at least 1 tree, the front window has 3 trees! toys galore! a fishing rod they LOVE to chase that has string on it. we're happy, they're happy, life is good! animal advocates made sure before we took them that they were fixed, wormed, chipped, up to date on their shots, even telling us when the next 1's are due. they go to kill shelters & try to rescue those they can. 1 of them was seth. his name is now eebron, norbee backwards, our 1st ginger, tom's dad's name. they wanted kids. there you go! your namesake lives on! he is truly like him! & squeak, named that because of how he squeaks, not meows, is now james bond. yes, bond, james bond. he wears his "tux" well & he loves the ladies! go! adopt! make another life or 2 or 3......happy & loved! you deserve it as much as them!

Animal advocates is amazing. It's quite honestly a hidden gem and not a place I would have found on…read moremy own with out the aide of thrifting goddess friend of mine. A small shop not really made for more than 1 or 2 people at a time. It's also probably not ideal for small children. Additionally, mind the sign and open the door nice and slow as there is usually a cat or two hanging out inside and you don't want to let them out. It's has a mix of some clothes and a lot of weird nicknacks and miscellaneous items. The three rooms are filled to the brim and the prices are incredibly low. While it's not the type of place I'd go to fill out my winter or summer wardrobe, but it's great for unique finds.

Although this trail is pretty, and well-kept, I prefer the Yough Trail. If this one had been closer…read moreto where I lived, I might have been here more frequently. Take your pick, but do try them both!! Whitney B. is right on - this trail is a real asset. Crushed limestone surface is great for running, but it's long enough for a serious bike ride. As always, don't forget to pass on the left and hail when passing!

Running, biking, skating, strolling, walking, frolicking, sprinting, slacking - all things that can…read morebe done on the Montour Trail. As Miriam W. mentioned, Arrowhead Trail is a subsection of Montour Trail and that's the area I most frequently use as well. In the spring, summer, fall, and the mild winter months it's such a great place to get outside and get in some exercise. Depending on the season and time of day you decide to go, it can get fairly crowded. But it doesn't bother me too much b/c most people are courteous of others and give you your space. But if you are fortunate enough to find a time of day when it's not so crowded, it's a great place to go and be quiet with your own thoughts in the outdoors. I have seen some squirrels, deers, and wild turkeys roaming about. Kinda freaks me out when I'm by myself - not the squirrels so much as the deers and wild turkeys. I think they are so used to seeing humans they don't scare off very easily.

I have worked as a volunteer for one of their projects. They are wonderful! Very organized and…read moredoing good things for Pittsburgh community in general. I really wanted to help more times.

From the owner: Give Back. Get Involved. Volunteer! Pittsburgh Cares makes it easy to help your neighbors by…read moreconnecting you with meaningful volunteer opportunities in the 'Burgh and beyond.

Absolutely love this thrift store. I always have a great experience with staff. I always have great…read morefinds as well. Found a pair of Sam Edelman heels reasonably priced, and they looked brand new. Also got a super cute croc pattern purse for $3, and so excited to style it.

I'm always overcharged and they tell me it's me. I add it up every time by rounding up before I…read morecheck out and they tell me I'm wrong. This happens all the time. The manager told me she didn't care. This place is awful. For 18 years I gave items, shopped here and the new people there are just awful. You can't even contact their office cause it directs you to the website and website tells you to call them. I'm just done. In tried of being treated so horrible.

Dr. Joe Lagana retired in 1999 after a nearly 40-year career as a science teacher and school…read moresuperintendent. At his retirement party, he accepted no gifts for himself. Instead he asked his friends, family, peers, and colleagues to funnel their money into the creation of The Homeless Children's Education Fund. Since then, HCEF has grown from utilizing a single small room with just 3 computers to building 11 Learning Centers. In addition to that, over the past decade, HCEF has argued in favor of this act... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKinney%E2%80%93Vento_Homeless_Assistance_Act HCEF has also distributed over 7,500 backpacks and 900 books to area children and have provided money for educational fieldtrips among many other things. Their work is by no means finished. Donate today if you believe that education is a right, that homeless children are entitled to an education regardless of their situation, and that breaking the cycle of homelessness involves ensuring that homeless children get a quality education along with everyone else.

Love Centers for Creative Reuse! It's a great place to donate and buy gently used and new supplies…read morefor crafts, hobbies, arts, and life! You'll find fabrics, notions, papers, small antiques, and more. Check their website for details of what they're currently accepting, hours, and more. Right around the corner from Construction Junction! Pictures are from a check in long ago

Wow, what a neat place! If you're into any art medium, I can almost guarantee you that you'd find…read moreat least one thing to add to your collection. I've been wanting to go here for a while now and I am SO glad I made the decision to go today! I found some items that I deem as treasures, and for the price of just 80¢ total!! Without a doubt, I strongly recommend swinging by! Thank you PCCR for existing :)