PITTSBURGH – Heritage Community Initiatives celebrated its anniversary with a 2nd annual Day of Service, giving back in the communities it serves in Allegheny County. At the event on June 27, Heritage board members, staff, and guests packaged and delivered over 500 lbs. of donations for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, surpassing last year’s collection by 66 lbs. Heritage’s support also extended to Animal Friends, with a truck full of pet food, treats, and other supplies, including toys for bunnies made by their students. The heartwarming interaction between Animal Friends’ therapy pets, Cappy and Riley, and Heritage students and guests added a special touch. The assembly took place in the school gymnasium at 531 Jones Avenue in North Braddock, home to the Heritage 4Kids Early Learning Center and HOST (Heritage Out of School Time) classrooms.

Heritage also offered no parent fees for Education program families and no-charge meals for Nutrition Services clients as well as a week of free rides on Heritage Community Transportation service.

“Heritage Community Initiatives is here to serve, and as we embark on a new decade, we are more committed than ever to lend a helping hand and provide support where the needs are greatest,” stated Paula G. McWilliams, President and CEO of Heritage Community Initiatives. “This occasion is also a testament to our strong partnerships as we continue to work together to make a difference.”

About Heritage Community Initiatives
For over 40 years their combination of the highest-quality and respected programs in Transportation, Education and Nutrition has afforded Heritage Community Initiatives to be uniquely positioned – and privileged – to continue their long-standing mission to enhance the socioeconomic mobility of thousands of under-resourced individuals, families and children in Allegheny County. A recent study showed that the economic and societal impact of Heritage results in over $33.3 million infused into the regional economy each year.

Heritage provides highly accredited academically based early learning and out-of-school time programming for hundreds of at-risk children. Education Program families are offered the most access in the region to Early Head Start, Head Start, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, along with Child Care Works child care subsidies and scholarships. Heritage is the only human services nonprofit in the Commonwealth designated as a provider of public transportation. Heritage Community Transportation has provided more than 1.6 million rides at 81 stops for only a quarter. Additionally, nearly 200,000 meals are served annually by Heritage Nutrition Services, which offers solutions in meal planning, ordering, preparation, and delivery while creating healthy options for largely at-risk youth and senior populations. For more information on our services and how to get involved, visit HeritageServes.org