Plenty of ways to get involved with the community

The Office of Engagement and Community Affairs is highlighting some upcoming volunteer opportunities through its Pitt in Action newsletter.

Drive-up diaper distribution

Volunteers are needed to support a drive-up diaper distribution event, sponsored by Global Links and Western PA Diaper Bank, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Nov. 6 at the UPMC Second Avenue parking lot located at 88 Swineburne St. This is a rain or shine outdoor event. Recipients will drive up and open their trunks without exiting their vehicles; volunteers will put diapers and wipes into the trunks. 
 
Volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID -19, wear a mask covering nose and mouth during the entire shift and register to volunteer in advance. Register here via the Global Links website. You also should be able to life 25 pounds or more and be on your feet for three hours.

Tree planting

Twenty volunteers are needed to help TreeVitalize, Pitt and Oakland Planning and Development Corp. to grow Oakland's tree canopy from 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 20. Trees will be planted near Parkview Avenue and the Boulevard of the the Allies. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Interested staff and faculty can complete a Google registration form found on OPDC's website, or calli or email Alicia Wehrle at 412-586-2386 or awehrle@paconserve.org.

Food bank help

Volunteers are especially needed at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank during the upcoming holiday season. Some of the jobs available include:

  • Sort, inspect and package food at sorting center on weekday mornings and afternoons

  • Assist at drive-up distribution events loading vehicles (limited events)

  • Help prep the soil, plant seeds, and eventually harvest produce at a local farm on Wednesday mornings

Contact volunteer@pittsburghfoodbank.org to learn more and sign up.

Blood drive

There is a critical need for blood donations across the county and region. Pitt staff and faculty can help meet this need by donating during a holiday blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 30 in the William Pitt Union Lower Lounge.

To register, visit vitalant.org and click the "Schedule Now” button. On the new window, choose Donor Login (previous donor) or New Donor (haven’t donated with Vitalant before), and search with group code CU190020, or call 412-209-7000.