#HelpersPGH: Pittsburgh 'Helpers' Pull Together
5 Things Pittsburghers Are Doing to Help Our Neighbors
April 27, 2020
It's no surprise Pittsburghers are pulling together to support one another in this time of great need. After all, this city is Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, where every day is beautiful. It's what we do here in Pittsburgh – care for one another. In the last few weeks, we have seen so many acts of kindness and love, so we're sharing some of our favorites with you in hopes you'll share your favorites with us. Here are just five of the MANY positive stories we've seen:
1. Gloria Horn Sewing Studio Sews 1,000 Masks for Pittsburgh Police
Gloria Horn Sewing Studio, a local Mt. Lebanon shop, sewed 1,000 masks, enough for every Pittsburgh Police Officer. The shop owner, Gloria Horn, along with many of the shop's employees and patrons, joined together in this effort to support the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
2. Pittsburgh International Airport Uses Open Space to Support Neighbors in Need
Pittsburgh International Airport teamed up with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank last week to hold one of the food bank's largest-ever food distributions for the community. The airport used its parking lots left empty from limited travel to give back to the community in need.
With a company match, Duquesne Light and it's 1,600 employees have raised nearly $50,000 for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
3. Cheswick Councilman Brian Testa Donates 1,000 Gallons of Hand Sanitizer
Cheswick Councilman Brian Testa donated 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to local first responders and neighbors. Testa is the owner of RightPath Medical and was able to obtain the donated hand sanitizer from one of its suppliers.
4. Cam Heyward Teams Up with The Pittsburgh Foundation to #SpreadHope
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Tackle Cam Heyward is teaming up with The Pittsburgh Foundation to launch the #SpreadHope campaign. This is an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Emergency Action Fund, supporting area nonprofits that serve local residents in need. Nonprofit organizations can apply and find guidelines for those funds here.
Duquesne Light contributed $500,000 to the Emergency Action Fund to support its customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.
5. Sheetz Giving Away Free Coffee to First Responders; Health Care Workers
In an effort to show appreciation and gratitude to those working on the frontlines of the ongoing pandemic, Sheetz is giving away free coffee to first responders and health care workers until June 1.
Whether it's quick or time-consuming, free or costly, every act of kindness speaks volumes of this community and helps our neighbors in need. As the challenging days continue, let's join closer together, even while physically apart. We're inspired by the strength and generosity of each and every one of you.
Like you, Duquesne Light and our 1,600 employees are committed to assisting our neighbors in need. On March 19, we contributed $500,000 to the Pittsburgh Emergency Action Fund to support area nonprofits serving our customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties. Nonprofit organizations can apply and find guidelines for those funds here. Additionally, we contributed $375,000 to the Dollar Energy Fund on April 3 to assist our customers in need of support paying their electric bill. Customers may check their eligibility and apply for the fund by reaching out to one of Dollar Energy Fund's partner agencies here. To learn more about the support we're offering, please visit www.DuquesneLight.com/HereForYou.
If you see a helper, share it with us on social media using #HelpersPGH. We want to read your story and help spread positive light in this community.