2010 DHS Holiday Project runs from November 22 through December 10

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the launch of the 2010 DHS Holiday Project, which provides gifts to children and youth who receive services through the Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth & Families. The gift drive will run from Monday, November 22, through Monday, December 10.

This year, the DHS Holiday Project has expanded the number of gift drop-off locations, making it more convenient for individuals to donate new, unwrapped gifts to children in need. In addition, the DHS is having a Holiday Book Drive, with drop off locations and times the same as the traditional gift drive. There are more details about the gist drive, including lists of suggested books, on the Allegheny County site.

The gift drop-off locations for the 2010 DHS Holiday Project are:

Downtown

Allegheny County Department of Human Services
One Smithfield Street
First Floor Lobby
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Allegheny County Family Court
440 Ross Street
First Floor Rotunda
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Allegheny County Executive’s Office
436 Grant Street
Room 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

South

Century III Mall
Information Desk
3075 Clairton Road
West Mifflin, PA 15123
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Curves
Donors at this location will receive a free month of gym membership.
2940 South Park Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Monday & Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

North

Turner Jewelers
First 50 people who donate will receive a free Chamilia bead ornament
4960 Route 8 (in the Home Depot Shopping Plaza)
Allison Park, PA 15101
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed

Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to “The DHS Donation Fund” with “Holiday Project” written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to Holiday Project Coordinator, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, One Smithfield Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

The DHS Holiday Project is also partnering with the Jerome Bettis “Bus Stops Here” Foundation and Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Waterfront in Homestead to host a book donation drive throughout December. The highlight of the book drive will be a storytelling event on Thursday, December 16, where Bettis and his mother, Gladys, will read holiday favorites to children and their families.

For additional information about the Holiday Project and for a list of gift ideas, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/HolidayProject.aspx.