Volunteering

01/12 2015

Univ Of Pittsburgh Attempting World Record Of Clothing Donations By End Of Feb


The University of Pittsburgh is striving to make history this coming spring as we introduce the Give a Thread campaign in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most clothing collected for the intent of donation or recycle. Large articles (pants, shirts, jackets, suits, dresses, shorts, skirts, etc.) will be collected through the end of February, when the world record count is attempted.

Articles should be clean but can be in any condition. Items that are not suitable for donation, such as torn, stained, or heavily worn items will be recycled by Goodwill of SWPA to create a sustainable filler for insulation. Currently, all regional campuses as well as the City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto’s Office, Allegheny County Department of Human Services and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are all participating in the Give a Thread campaign.

Clothing will be counted and sorted. Items for recycle (torn, stained or unusable items) will be provided to Goodwill for recycle, which includes shredding for filler material. Clothing in gently used condition will be distributed amongst the following agencies: Thriftsburgh (student run thrift store on the University of Pittsburgh campus, Goodwill of SWPA, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, the University Career Development and Placement Assistance Office, and other organizations as appropriate.

For more info:

http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/pittserves/give-thread

01/06 2015

Winterfest Fundraiser for Grtr Pgh Comm Food Bank, Sat 1/31 1-5pm

Winterfest pre-sale tickets now available!
December 11, 2014
The East End Food Co-op is pleased to present Winterfest once again this year! Our annual, seasonal celebration and fundraiser for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg from 1 PM to 5 PM. The event will feature food, music, and fun for all ages!
The menu will include light fare with vegetarian and vegan items from the Co-op Café, as well appetizers and snacks donated by vendors and other local partners. There will be an array of sweet treats for everyone, including cookies and goodies from the Co-op’s Bulk Department. Adults age 21 and over can buy a wristband for $5 that gives them access to the open bar, which will include wine and a number of locally-brewed craft beers provided by the East End Brewing Company.
http://www.eastendfood.coop/archives/7585

12/23 2014

Hydroponics Research Project In South Oakland – Host Volunteers Needed

Central Page with Research Project Links

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UPDATE 2/18/15

The hydroponics workshop will be 3-4pm Sunday 2/22 at Frazier Fieldhouse.

pdf icon Workshop Flyer

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UPDATE 2/13/15

Check out update to specifications with pictures at new post

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UPDATE 2/9/15

We are asking for input on the Hydroponics Workshop date and time.  Please contact SONG through the contact page to request the link to those choices.

Click here for SONG Contact Page

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UPDATE 1/18/15

We have received a couple of inquiries about being a host site. Obviously the more the merrier, but also the better to help improve the project, so if you are interested, definitely let us know.

Several changes or clarifications that came from questions so far on the installations and introductory workshop:

  • The installations will assume using fluorescent grow lights since there are very limited windows with enough direct sunlight.
  • The plants grown will be a last minute decision of Bib, Romaine or similar lettuce that does just fine with artificial light.
  • The design can be somewhat smaller area than originally thought, and some customization for each site. If you are interested, let us know and the students can discuss with you in more detail.
  • The workshop “Hydroponics 101” will be delayed till later in January or early February. Please let us know if you or someone you know would be interested in attending.

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Hi everyone!

Recently, a group of students at Pitt has been accepted into the Honors College Community-Based Research Fellowship program for the spring semester and the community group they chose to partner with is SONG! The project is focused on implementing hydroponics, or the growing of plants without soil, in our community over the winter. Developing an effective way to cheaply grow food over the winter can begin to empower and assist communities with limited fresh food access.

How does it work?

Plants are started as seedlings in a growth medium within a greenhouse tray for a few days and then transplanted into a PVC piping system for culturing and harvesting. This hydroponic piping system carries a mineral nutrient-rich solution within water to stimulate plant growth. With a few weeks of good water circulation, the plants will be ready for harvesting. The specific plant we’ll be using is bibb lettuce, because it’s been proven as a successful hydroponic plant.

What role does SONG play?

From early February to early April, three SONG community members (see below) will have one of these hydroponic systems installed in their residences. Every week, at a time of the residents’ choosing, one of the students will visit and make sure the equipment is running properly and get feedback about system improvements. If you’d like to get involved, here are a few ways to engage:

  • Introductory Workshop  “Hydroponics 101”:  Tentatively January 20th at 6pm.  The students will be presenting an introductory workshop for the community to learn about hydroponic cultivation and growing their own food!

  • WE NEED VOLUNTEERS:  February through April – Three interested South Oakland residents will be housing a hydroponic system. Participants will get to keep any of the lettuce harvested, gain valuable hydroponics experience and help with the research and development of more affordable, easy-to-use hydroponic systems and food production. The only major requirements are:

    • a 3’ x 6’ floor space near a window (preferably facing south, but not required)

    • room temperatures over 60°F

    • Able to meet one hour weekly so the students can check the system, collect data and feedback.

Let us know if you have any questions.  We would like to hear from those willing to volunteer to host these systems as soon as possible to go over other details of the project and plan for the installations.   If you know any other South Oakland neighbors that might be interested in learning more about hydroponics, or this project, please let them know and have them contact us to get involved.

Check back for any new details.

Sincerely,

South Oakland Neighborhood Group

12/22 2014

Volunteer To Be A Snow Angel

Do something this holiday season that will make all the difference! Sign up with Snow Angels.  It will mean the world to your neighbors.
Snow Angels matches neighbors with neighbors to shovel the walks of those who are unable to do this on their own. Volunteers impact lives in our community by ensuring our more vulnerable neighbors continue to have access to essential services such as home-delivered meals and medications during the harsh winter months.
Allegheny County Snow Angels Program Website
http://alleghenysnowangels.org/
12/04 2014

“Home Lost” Sew-in for quilts Fri, 12/5 – 1pm to 7pm – United Way 1250 Penn Ave

Help provide quilts for people in a housing crisis this winter Join CHS, the United Way of Allegheny County, Annie and Griffin of the Home Lost Project this December 5th for the 2nd annual Home Lost Sew-in.  They’re looking to recruit 150 volunteers to gather t-shirts, cut them into squares, and sew them together into quilts that they can share with people CHS serves through our housing programs and street outreach. The Sew-in will be held at the United Way’s offices at 1250 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Adults, teens and children 8 and older are welcome to help. Sewing or quilting skills not required!
 
See more at:
http://www.chscorp.org/SewIn2014
10/31 2014

City Seeks Partners For Public Art Grant

The City of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that it has been invited to apply for the newly announced Public Art Challenge Grant, offered by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Announced by Bloomberg Philanthropies on October 13th, 2014, the grant allows mayors of municipalities with populations of more than 30,000 to apply as lead applicant, with an artist or arts organization as a partner. To this end, the City of Pittsburgh is offering a Partner Application, and is requesting that all interested artists and arts organizations that wish to partner with the City of Pittsburgh on this grant opportunity please utilize this application document in order to make such a request.

For more information, read the full article:

http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/release?id=3660

10/31 2014

Call For Volunteers For 2014-2015 Allegheny Snow Angels Program

Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh are putting out a county-wide call for volunteers to help our elderly and disabled residents stay safe this winter through the Allegheny Snow Angels program.
Snow Angels is a program that helps minimize the hardships of winter by pairing volunteers with elderly or disabled residents to assist with snow removal. Snow covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. Along with fostering stronger community relationships, and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snow storm, Snow Angels makes our sidewalks safer for those who continue to serve despite the winter weather – like postal service workers, firemen, and police officers.
Inline image 1
For more info read the full article:
http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/release?id=3668
10/31 2014

Fruit Tree Planting In South Oakland – Sat Nov 1, 1pm At 3213 Parkview Ave

This is a reminder that this Saturday, November 1st at 1:00 pm we will be planting fruit trees to create a community orchard in South Oakland. Anyone interested in learning about fruit trees and joining in on the fun should register as a volunteer through this form Tree Pittsburgh created: http://goo.gl/XGJ0iC. Volunteers will meet at 3213 Parkview Avenue.

09/13 2014

Fruit Tree Orchard Classes – Tue 9/23 6pm Parkview Manor

Inline image 1
Tree Pittsburgh and OPDC are partnering to plant eight fruit trees at Frazier Farms and a vacant lot on Parkview Ave.  Neighbors will have the opportunity to take three free classes to learn about fruit trees and ensure their sustainability.  The first class will focus on fruit tree biology, site selection and species information.
Tuesday 9/23 from 6-7:30pm at Parkview Manor, 3250 Parkview Ave.
For more info:
http://www.opdc.org/south-okland/92314-south-oakland-fruit-orchard-intro-class/#lightbox/0/
09/03 2014

Sidewalk Tree Planting Applications – Fall 2014

If you’re interested in a free tree for the sidewalk, please fill out the application and bring it to the next SONG meeting Tuesday March 4, or give or mail it to David Zwier at 235 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  There will be a site inspection for each application, because not all locations are suitable for trees.

You can also volunteer to help plant and maintain the trees.  More info on TreeVitalize Pittsburgh’s website

There is a PDF version you can print and fill out by hand, or the DOC version, you can fill out electronically, print and sign.

pdf icon Tree-Planting-Request-Form_2014.pdf
doc icon Tree-Planting-Request-Form_USE-ME-14_02.doc

08/05 2014

Fruit Tree Workshop – Wed Aug 13, 6:30-8:30pm – $5

Tree Pittsburgh and Grow Pittsburgh are partnering together to offer a urban fruit tree workshop. This workshop will bring in Susan Poizner, Director of Orchard People, a Toronto-based fruit tree organization, to speak about her lessons learned from starting many urban orchards. She will be joined by local Pittsburgh fruit tree knowledge for an interesting discussion on urban orcharding. This event will be hosted at the ECCO Center (200 Larimer Ave.) on Wednesday, August 13th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and will include a walk to the Larimer Community Garden to learn about fruit trees that were planted on site. Class cost is $5. Register here!
Barbara Brewton of the Green Team is planning on driving to this workshop if people need rides or want to carpool. She is planning to be at the Career Center on Semple St by 5:45 and to leave by 6. Her car fits five other people; if anyone is interested in a ride please let them so that there is enough room for everyone. Barb can also borrow a van if necessary.
For more info on the Green Team visit
http://www.opdc.org/programs-services/community/oakland-green-team/
07/02 2014

Celebrate Oakland’s 175th Anniversary! Fri & Sat 10/10 & 10/11

Celebrate Oakland’s
175th Anniversary!
Schenley Plaza
Friday & Saturday,
October 10 & 11, 2014

Oakland Forever is a huge celebration of the people, places and things that make Oakland a fantastic neighborhood.  This truly community driven event is being organized and led by Oakland community organizations, institutions and businesses.  Drawing on the profound history of Oakland, the current culture of innovation among institutional partners, and the strong sense of community pride, this fête will highlight and mark Oakland’s unique and vibrant character.
You can contribute to the planning for this event by filling out this survey

Oakland Forever Survey
For more info check out their website:
Oakland Forever Website