Reminder to our neighbors, We are moving up our monthly FOCUS Collection, so they can get the items to families in need before the Holidays !!! We have had an amazing response since Saturday !!! Please make that we have your ADDRESS, so we know where to pick up your generous donation !!! We are again letting our neighborhood know that we will be driving the neighborhood picking up for the monthly FOCUS Collection on Tuesday, 11 DEC 18. We will be around the neighborhood at 9:00 AM TUESDAY morning, so if you have non-perishable food items, WINTER CLOTHING ONLY, coats, blankets, etc. are all needed, as We are running our monthly pick-up from the neighborhood for Supplies for FOCUS !!! We have attached a letter in regards to what they need, but most importantly it is FOOD, WINTER CLOTHING ONLY, coats, blankets, etc. are all needed at this time. Last month we took our Van Loaded, and it was so needed and so much appreciated. Mike and Brigette Nadler, are coordinating the Highland Park pick up. If you are inclined to help, leave the supplies on your front porch and we will pick up and get your donations to FOCUS. So we are doing this again on Tuesday, 11 DEC 18. We will be around starting at 9:00 AM, and need to get the donations there by noon. Please DO NOT drop off here, as we do not have a way of storing donations. Just email us your actual address to: mike@divehards.com<mailto:mike@divehards.com>, to let us know what to expect to pick up (as well as what not to take off your porches !!!), and we will get back to you, but not as promptly as in the past, but we will e-mail you back after next week. MAKE SURE that there is a Phone Number so that they can reach you during collection times, should there be any questions. FOCUS Pittsburgh, located in the Hill District, is part of a national movement through the Orthodox Church, that helps to fight poverty in communities across America. One of their areas in need is keeping their food pantry stocked with food and supplies. Currently, their shelves are empty and they need help. The above attachment highlights what they need. It could change on a monthly basis, at which point that need will be communicated. FOCUS Pittsburgh has been in the Hill since 2011. Each week, hundreds of backpacks are distributed to children in the Hill and Southside Public Schools. They offer an 8-week professional development class that teaches non-technical job skills to promote employment and success in the workplace. Bag lunches are distributed every Saturday through the Churches....140 lunches to be exact. In 2014, they opened a free medical and behavioral health clinic for people who are uninsured or who don't qualify for medical assistance. Most recently, they have purchased an RV, trained dozen of volunteers, and have formed a trauma response team -- responding to homicides in Allegheny County by providing on-site psychological and mental health care to residents affected by violence. In advance, thank you for your consideration. Mike & Brigette Michael Millet Nadler Past President and Board Member, Highland Park Community Council Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 363-3483, Fax: (412) 363-2925, e-mail: mike@divehards.com<mailto:mike@divehards.com>