Ways to Give Back with 7 Pittsburgh-based Organizations

Ring in the new year and the next decade by choosing to dedicate more toward charity. In Pittsburgh, Mister Rogers taught us to support and care for one another. The people here in the Steel City are always more than willing to help a neighbor.

There are several organizations near and around Shadyside to get involved with. Whether it’s through a monetary gift, or better yet, a donation of your time. Here are some ways you can take action with charitable contributions.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh

This non-profit is dedicated to providing decent, affordable homes to local, limited-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Allegheny County with programs that help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through both homeownership opportunities and home repair services. Here’s how you can get involved.

PGH Equality Center

The Pittsburgh Equality Center (PEC) provides LGBT individuals, their families, and supporters, “resources and opportunities to promote visibility, understanding, and equality within the LGBT communities and the community at large.” This localized organization works toward these goals through education, social support, networking, and advocacy.

You can get involved with the Pittsburgh Equality Center through plenty of volunteer opportunities, or even visit the main office on Ellsworth Ave. 

Humane Animal Rescue

Visit the Humane Animal Rescue in the East End to help serve wild and domestic animals in need. This wonderful organization cares for abandoned, neglected, and injured animals; educates the community on humane care; reinforces a standard of living for animals and prevents cruelty; and so much more.

If you have a love for all animals, here’s how you can get involved with Humane Animal Rescue.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh

Whether a role model or a best friend, having someone to look up to can help push through life’s challenges, and alternatively, makes success that much sweeter. BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh is dedicated to helping all children achieve success in life through meaningful mentorship.

Headquartered on Centre Ave, Big Brothers Big Sisters is just a short walk from many of Franklin West’s Shadyside apartments. Become a Big and get involved!

Strong Women Strong Girls

This organization is about supporting strong female leaders of tomorrow. Strong Women, Strong Girls is an empowering, female mentorship program across three generations. 

The mission is to encourage “girls to imagine a broader future through a curriculum grounded on female role models delivered by college women mentors, who are themselves mentored by professional women.” Here’s how you can get involved!

Best Buddies

About 200 million people have intellectual and developmental disabilities around the world. Best Buddies works with those diagnosed with IDD to “create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.”

This International nonprofit has an office right here in Pittsburgh. If you share a belief of ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of those with IDD take action with Best Buddies.

412 Food Rescue

There is an enormous, and well, an embarrassing amount of food going to waste. 412 Food Rescue is on a mission to, “prevent perfectly good food from entering the waste stream.” If you have a passion for sustainable living and want to take part in a good environmental impact, then here’s how you can take action with 412 Food Rescue.

 

How will you make a difference in 2020?

9 Unique Stores for Festive Shopping in Shadyside

In the spirit of last-minute shopping? Sure, Amazon may have gifts delivered to you in a day, but where’s the fun in that? Take part in the holiday spirit by supporting local shops located in one of the most shoppable areas in Pittsburgh. 

There are many unique places to browse for thoughtful gifts. Here are 9 stores around our Shadyside neighborhood with unique gifts for your favorite people.

Glassworks

You’ll discover charming household items at Glassworks over on Walnut Street. This creative local shop specializes in tabletop items like coasters, drinkware sets, photo frames, and more. Plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gifts here.

Shadyside Variety Store

Toys, books, novelties and more; if you can imagine it, Shadyside Variety Store probably has it. This fun shop on Walnut Street is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 with altered hours on Sunday. 

S.W. Randall

Over on Ivy Street, you’ll discover treasures that would make a child burst with excitement. S. W. Randall Toys and Gifts is one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest specialty toy stores. If you have kiddos on your gift list, S.W. Randall is the place to go! 

Kards Unlimited

Doing business on Walnut Street since the late ‘60s, Kards Unlimited has become one of Pittsburgh’s favorite gift shops. You’ll surely find a few presents here. Kards Unlimited is stocked with a variety of items like t-shirts, toys, mugs, photo albums, pet products and much more!

Eureka Chocolates & Gifts

Eureka Chocolates & Gifts on Copeland Street is the local, specialty shop with a variety of mouthwatering chocolates! Need we say more? It’s the holidays after all. It’s time for everyone to have a little sweet tooth. Take a peek at all the flavors here. 

Synthesis 

This shop is all about the plant life. Over on Copeland Way, Synthesis brings exotic plants to a modern style. You’ll find cacti, succulents, handmade ceramics, hanging pots, gardening tools and more. Synthesis also offers plant consultations for homes, offices, restaurants, and shops around the Pittsburgh area for those who want to make a greener impact. 

ToadFlax

The items inside this local shop are just as unique as the name. Visiting ToadFlax on Walnut Street for any last-minute gifts is a must. You could snatch up great stocking stuffers like warm alpaca socks, awesome jewelry from Studebaker Metals, and much more. 

Shadyside Books

Do you love to pass the time cozied up with a good book? Open from noon to 7 pm every day, you’ll find Shadyside Books on Ellsworth Ave stocked with over 5000 books of any and all genres. 

Cienne Designs Vintage Market

Walking into Cienne Designs you’ll find home goods and vintage treasures! This unique shop on Ellsworth Ave is bright, cheerful, and filled with fabulous gift potential from Kantha throws to antique signs and so much more. 

Have a wonderful holiday and don’t forget to shop to support local businesses this year! 

Celebrate 2019 at these Local Events Spreading Holiday Cheer

This festive month holds several awesome events for families and adults to enjoy. Dare we say, holiday cheer is in full swing in Shadyside!

It’s time to get into the holiday spirit as many of our favorite museums are pulling out all the stops, plus low key places like Patagonia and Shadyside Nursery has wonderful events in store too. 

Here’s everything that’s happening around our neighborhood during the rest of December. 

Mansions on Fifth

Explore this gorgeous mansion all done up with beautiful lights and holiday decor. Mansions on Fifth hotel is hosting a Christmas Concert, Cocktails, and tours event on Thursday, December 19th. 

Snack on tasty snacks and complimentary Christmas specialty cocktails or hot chocolate then enjoy an evening of festive music! Jen Vanella and the Rainbow Angels will begin the performance at 6 pm. 

Get all the info for this holiday event here.

Photo credit: Mansions on Fifth via Instagram

Patagonia

Over on Walnut Street, Patagonia is bringing its own Celebration to the Season on Thursday, December 12th.

Come out and shop around during a festive night of live music and munch on specialty popcorn from PGH Popcorn Company. Patagonia will also have a cookie decorating station set up for the kiddos.

Plus, there’s much more to this event like the Worn Wear program, upcycled gifts, and donations will go towards the local non-profit, Paws Across Pittsburgh.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Decked out for the season, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is hosting a double feature inspired by the holidays. Come meet Sven the reindeer while you’re at it!

On Saturday, December 14th, a special “Holiday Around the World” edition of Super Science Saturday allows visitors to discover holiday-themed stations throughout the museum. Different cultures will be highlighted by sharing tradition, amazing artifacts, and hands-on activities. This won’t be the only time to experience this event.

Sensory Friendly Saturday will take place on the 28th of December and will meet the same festive theme between 8:30 am to 10 am. This specific event is catered to wonderful families with members on the autism spectrum or who otherwise easily experience sensory overload. It allows a chance to explore the museum during a quieter experience in a more controlled environment.

Tickets for Super Science Saturday here.

Information for Sensory Friendly Saturday here. 

Photo credit: CMNH via Instagram 

Frick Pittsburgh 

The Frick Pittsburgh goes all out during the holiday season. Not only can you experience fabulous holiday decor at Clayton house, but also enjoy performances with The Pittsburgh ballet theater or the C Street Brass Quintet. 

Head to the Frick Cafe for delicious treats and tea as well as browse through the holiday-themed merchandise at the gift shop.

Get all the details on upcoming holiday programs here.

photo credit: Frick Pittsburgh via Instagram

Phipps Conservatory

Phipps is a Pittsburgh favorite. The holiday show is one to take the breath away, but there are more activities to explore at Phipps too.

Making the holiday light show even more magical, on specific weekend nights live musical entertainment will play throughout the museum for a treat for the eyes and the ears. See the full performance schedule here.

On Tuesday, December 17th, Chefs from Phipps Cafe will put a wonderful holiday buffet dinner together from 6 to 8 pm. Get more information on tickets here.

Phipps is also planning a New Year’s Eve family celebration on December 31. Your family will be able to enjoy all kinds of activities, live music, crafts, and more.

We hear Santa will make a few appearances too.

Shadyside Nursery

Shopping for a beautiful, live tree for the holidays? Head over to the Shadyside Nursery and find an abundance of locally farmed trees available to purchase. 

Don’t stop short at the trees though. Handmade ornaments made by local artists will also be available for sale along with charity wreaths. All sales from the wreaths will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh.  

Get all the info here. 

photo credit: Shadyside Nursery via Instagram

Carnegie Museum of Art

The Women’s Committee within the Carnegie Museum of Art has put on another phenomenal holiday display. Your eyes will surely light up walking in the Hall of Architecture to find giant evergreens dressed in handcrafted ornaments along with CMOA’s 18-century Nativity scene!

This Friday, December 13th come out to CMOA for a Winter Wonderland 21+ party. The celebration begins at 7 and will last till 10 pm. Grab your friends, get fancy, and have a blast on Friday night!

CMOA is also hosting several festive events throughout this month. This upcoming Saturday is the Winter Wonderland Pajama Party! This family-friendly, 2-hour event presents a special storytime, a dance party for the kiddos, and plenty more activities.

Still shopping for a few gifts? CMOA can help you out with the unique merchandise at the museum store. Enjoy special discounts and browse freely without exhibit admission fees. 

 

We’re wishing all our friends and neighbors a wonderful and safe holiday. Enjoy the season!