Pitt Cares
Each year, the Pitt community provides hundreds of hours of invaluable service to community partners in Oakland and throughout the region. Below are a few of our signature programs, though there are many more opportunities throughout the year. Sign up to receive our Volunteer Opportunities newsletter to be notified about opportunities to serve, read about our progress, and learn about fellow volunteers in the Pitt community.
Central Blood Bank Blood Drives
As a public service, the University of Pittsburgh partners with the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh to host blood drives throughout the year. Each donation can save up to three lives, and with all donations going straight to local hospitals, there could be no better time to donate.
Pitt Partnership for Food
For the past 30 years, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has been mounting the fight against hunger in the Pittsburgh Region and the need seems to be growing every year as more and more households are seeking assistance from food pantries and soup kitchens. The University of Pittsburgh joined this fight over 20 years ago collaborating with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Faculty, staff and students have and continue to participate in this program in large numbers.
Pitt’s People for Pets
Pitt’s People for Pets helps feed local pets in need. We know that some families choose to feed their pets, sacrificing their own basic food needs. In collaboration with Animal Friends Chow Wagon, Pitt's People for Pets provides pet food to area food banks to ensure that families no longer have to choose between feeding their pets or themselves. Learn more.
Pitt United Way Day of Caring
The University of Pittsburgh annually conducts a fund drive to benefit community agencies through the United Way of Allegheny County. The kick-off event for the United Way Campaign is an event called the United Way Day of Caring. On average, nearly 300 faculty and staff give up a workday at the University to work for and with community-based organizations in neighborhoods adjacent to the University on projects identified by these organizations. Learn more.
Christmas Day at Pitt
Since 2006, Pitt has partnered with the Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania to serve Christmas Dinner to individuals and families in-need. Faculty, staff, and their families from Pitt and Sodexho give of their time on Christmas Day to make this event possible.
Produce to People
The second Thursday of each month, Pitt faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity to volunteer at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank's Produce to People program. Pitt provides a shuttle leaving from Bigelow Blvd. by Soldiers and Sailors promptly at 3:30 p.m. and returning between 8 and 8:30 p.m. Parking is available if you choose to drive yourself. Closed toed shoes are required to participate in this event. Please contact us if you are interested in registering for one of these trips. Learn more.