Definitely nice!
6 gifts that give back to the community
Want to make the “nice” list this year? Give a gift that gives back to the community. Here are some local nonprofits that are doing great work to uplift people in need.
Beverly’s Birthdays
Not knowing where you are going to sleep at night is an anxiety no child should ever experience. For many homeless children, birthdays are rarely special days with parties, cake and gifts. Beverly’s Birthdays seeks to fill that void for more than 25,000 children in our region. Give them a happy birthday gift to last a lifetime: www.beverlysbirthdays.org.
A Peace of Mind Inc.
A Peace of Mind Inc. is a nonprofit therapeutic wellness space, housing site and child care center in Wilkinsburg that provides activities and self-care workshops in cooking, visual arts, entrepreneurship and other interests for all ages. APOM partners with community organizations to offer permanent housing focused on sustainability for women and children and is accepting child care and employment applications for a day care center set to open in late 2019. Learn more at apeaceofmindinc.org.
Scent with Love
Ever wonder what happens to those beautiful floral arrangements at weddings and other events? They often end up in the garbage. Shannon Haldeman, the founder of this new nonprofit, thinks they could brighten someone’s day. “I want people who are going through tough times to know that they are not alone.” Scent with Love will pick up flowers after an event and redistribute them to places like the Ronald McDonald House, Lemieux Children’s Home, Bethlehem Haven Women’s Shelter and more. Let the good feelings bloom: www.facebook.com/SWLflowers/.
Literacy Pittsburgh
Formerly known as the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, this organization helped more than 4,500 people learn reading, writing, math, English language, computer and workforce skills in 2017. Literacy equates to independence. Without those skills, it’s hard to find a job with a living wage. Help someone reach their full potential by become a volunteer or donating today at www.literacypittsburgh.org.
Cultivating Resilient Youth
In 2012, Nikkia Ingram felt a calling to empower inner-city youth in her community, especially young women in high school who were sometimes overlooked. Cultivating Resilient Youth takes a holistic approach to supporting young people through volunteerism, mentoring, professional and emotional development workshops, wellness programs and teaching healthy conflict resolution skills. Help cultivate at www.cultivatingresilientyouth.org.
Christmas Adventure Calendar
While not a nonprofit, this Christmas calendar extends the holiday fun all month long with ideas for the whole family. In addition to outdoor and indoor activities, there are charitable options like donating toys to a shelter or collecting canned goods for your local food bank. For $30, you receive a burlap and felt calendar with 25 card pockets and 35 activity cards. Go on an adventure at https://christmasadventurecalendar.com/.