For Good

Today is the deadline for one local toy drive -- hurry to contribute so that kids everywhere can have a wonderful holiday. There are also many donation drives you can still help up until two days before Christmas Eve. Here is a handy guide:
 

• The Port Authority of Allegheny County, Q92.9 FM and the U.S. Marine Corps are holding their annual Toys for Tots drive on Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 9 a.m. on the mezzanine level of the Steel Plaza T Station (near Sixth Avenue and Grant Street downtown). They're collecting new, unwrapped toys and cash.

• The Marines' Toys For Tots effort is also the beneficiary of the Master Builders’ Association annual drive Attend their gathering Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Hard Rock Café in Station Square, run by the Association's Young Constructors Committee for the construction industry -- a toy is your ticket.

 

• The Northside Institutional Church is gathering toy donations for their annual Christmas Store for needy families. They'll accept your toys on site at 302 West North Avenue on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 1 to 9 p.m. Contact Stacy Webb here.

 

• Who's Your Brother's annual Holiday Toy Drive Wrapping Party will be held Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stephen Foster Community Center, 286 Main Street in Lawrenceville. They're looking for volunteers to wrap gifts for children in need; your payment will be free cookies from Paddy Cake Bakery. Sign up to help or give items at www.whosyourbrother.com.

 

• Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is always looking for toys for its Child Life and Volunteer Services Departments. Call 412-692-5022 or donate at the Welcome Center in the main lobby from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, and see their website for giving guidelines and most-needed items.

 

• If you're attending the Toonseum's Island of Misfit Toons Christmas Party Dec. 14 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in its Lou Scheimer Gallery downtown, a new or only slightly used toy will get you half off the $10 admission and benefit the Play It Forward Pittsburgh toy drive.

 
Writer: Marty Levine