County accepting donations for National Adoption Day & 2009 Holiday Project
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced two annual gift drives to benefit children in Allegheny County. The National Adoption Day Gift Drive is underway now through Nov. 6. Allegheny County Family Court will finalize approximately 50 to 80 adoptions on Sat., Nov. 21, which is National Adoption Day. As part of the celebration, each newly adopted child will receive a gift bag filled with age-appropriate toys and books. Suggested donations include small plush toys, disposable cameras, books, art supplies, educational toys and toy cars.
“We’re happy to once again join Family Court and Administrative Judge Kim Berkeley Clark for the 4th Annual Adoption Day Gift Drive,” said Onorato. “I encourage residents to help these new families celebrate by donating a gift or book at any of our collection sites.”
Unwrapped gifts for National Adoption Day can be donated at the following locations:
County Executive’s Office, County Courthouse Room 101;
County Controller’s Office, County Courthouse Room 104;
District Attorney’s Office, County Courthouse Room 303;
Criminal Court, County Courthouse Room 307;
Department of Real Estate, County Office Building Room 101;
Department of Court Records Wills Division, City-County Building First Floor;
Jury Assignment Room, City-County Building Room 700;
Family Court Rotunda, 400 Ross Street;
Court Administration Office, Frick Building Third Floor, 437 Grant Street; and
Children Youth & Families Adoption Department, 400 North Lexington Street.
Allegheny County’s 2009 Holiday Project, which provides gifts to children and youth who receive services through the Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth & Families, will run from Nov. 9 through Dec. 11.
“There are nearly 8,000 children receiving services through CYF, and our goal is to provide at least one significant gift to each child.” said Onorato. “We know times are tough, but as you do your holiday shopping, please consider purchasing a gift for a child on our Holiday Project list.”
Collection boxes for the 2009 Holiday Project will be located in the County Executive’s Office in Room 101 of the County Courthouse, as well as the lobby of the Human Services Building at One Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. Gifts should be unwrapped so they may be matched with specific requests. Gift ideas and additional information can be found at www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/HolidayProject.aspx.
Monetary donations to the Holiday Project are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to “DHS Donation Fund” with “Holiday Project” written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to Samantha Baer McVicker, One Smithfield Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
