How To Sign Up For Toys for Tots in Western PA – 2015 Edition

I’m actually late this year with this annual blog post. Finding information on Toys for Tots programs can be time-consuming and challenging. My work with the AMPLIFY project has expanded my awareness of how difficult it can be to access programs the further your family lives from an urban hub. My hope is to add […]

The Legacy of Cathy Cairns

Cathy Cairns

One year ago today, Cathy Cairns departed this life with her best friend at her side and the comfort of knowing her final wishes had been filled. Among those wishes was a desire to be buried with her parents – a wish you helped to fulfill with thousands of dollars in donations. As we wound […]

Five Places To Donate Feminine Hygiene Supplies in Pittsburgh

A recent article on The Huffington Post titled “For Homeless Women, Getting Their Period Is One Of The Most Difficult Challenges” has been a topic of much discussion on Facebook. I’ve written about this in the past, but here are the talking points Tampons, pads and related supplies cannot be purchased with SNAP (food stamps) […]

Ten Most Popular Blog Posts of 2014

2014 In Review

  These are the posts that drew the most viewers in 2014. It is an interesting mix of LGBTQ specific information and human services/poverty stories. Most of the stories are local, but not all. I think this reflects some of the balance I strive for on the blog. 10. Toys for Tots Distribution Information  – this […]

Cathy’s Closet in the Media

Pittsburgh Pride

URGENT APPEAL – the GLCC has asked the community for their help. Please donate tissue and hand sanitizer if you can to help homeless youth and others facing this unpleasant beginning to the cold/flu season.   Today, I received one of those phone calls that make my heart swell – another community organization saw that […]

Cathy’s Closet Fundraiser to End

Cathy’s Closet Fundraiser to End

Dear friends, Thank you to everyone who so generously donated to help raise a wee bit over $1,000 to launch this project. While we only reached 20% of the goal, that’s going to help a lot of people and your kindness is much appreciated. When I was a young adult and had my first exposure […]

Cathy’s Closet Fundraiser Reaches 20% of Our Goal – Hurrah!

Pittsburgh Pride

Some excellent news this morning. The fundraising effort to establish and open Cathy’s Closet at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh has reached 20% of its goal – we’ve raised $1,000! To date, we’ve raised $675 on Crowdrise, a website that works through GuideStar and Network For Good to ensure credibility and transparency. […]

What is The Person in Line at the Grocery Store Thinking About?

Here are some things we probably never have to think about. The person in line ahead of you at the grocery store might be thinking about this all of the time.  Note – these are suggestions from websites. I make no claims to their effectiveness, simply pointing out that they exist. How to Stretch Shampoo […]

The Kindness of Neighbors

Cathy's Closet

When was the last time a stranger did something particularly kind, generous, or selfless for you? Tell us what happened! This weekend, a lot of strangers did me a big kindness by donating to Cathy’s Closet. One drive was Friday night at the Blue Moon Bar in Lawrenceville (yes, that Blue Moon of Sharon Needles […]

Six Summer Personal Care Items You Never Thought To Donate

Pittsburgh Pride

While it is not technically summer, the 84 degree weather has me thinking about things like finding my flip-flops, setting out the deck furniture and maybe even planting stuff that grows. I might get ambitious and carry my winter coats to the attic this weekend. Just another ritual in the day to day change of […]