University Times

Community Relations began its annual winter essentials and holiday gift drives this week.

• The winter essentials drive, which runs until Dec. 12, is collecting new hats, gloves, scarves and socks. Donated items will be distributed to those in need, including attendees at the Christmas Day at Pitt celebration. Items can be dropped off at the following campus buildings: Alumni; Benedum; Cathedral of Learning; Craig; Eureka; Hillman Library; Mervis; O’Hara Student Center; Park Plaza; Petersen; Public Safety; Scaife; Thackeray; Thomas Boulevard; Povsar; University Store on Fifth; and William Pitt Union.

This year an online donation option also is available. Visit the drive’s Amazon Wish List (www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/?ie=UTF8&cid=A3PTVMI4J1T5TS) to select items to donate.

•Pitt’s holiday gift drive, which run through Dec. 15, provides a gift to each child attending Christmas Day at Pitt. Drop off donations at the Office of Community and Governmental Relations, 710 Alumni Hall or call 4-7755 to arrange a departmental pickup.

The drive is targeting specific age groups for donations this year, due to  an increase in teenagers attending the dinner last year. Email cgrinfo@pitt.edu to request the number of labels needed for the gift drive in your department, and Community Relations will send them over in the right age-group mix.

Registration of volunteers for Christmas Day at Pitt will take place early in December. Community Relations will email and post volunteer registration information following the Thanksgiving break.