Just a quick update. Last week, Zandy Dudiak wrote an opinion piece asking various Patch readers to step forward as donation spots during the holidays to help us collect food and totes for our neighbors.

She identified Patch communities in which we specifically need a 8-10 week commitment to support local food pantries.

• Baldwin/Whitehall   
• Canon-McMillan    
• Cranberry    
• Dormont-Brookline    
• Forest Hills-Regent Square: Animal Nature    
• Monroeville/Penn Hills     
• North Allegheny     
• North Hills     
• Peters     
• Pine-Richland      
• Pleasant Hills      
• Plum-Oakmont      
• Robinson-Moon: Basket of Pittsburgh       
• Sewickley

So far, three businesses in Moon/Robinson have stepped forward! In less than a week. We also have a business in Swissvale and one possibility in Squirrel Hill. Finally, a Woodland Hills business also volunteered. In one week.

We are hoping other communities can step up. Please know that, unfortunately, hunger is in your community  - 1 in 7 Pennsylvania residents face food uncertainty each day. 1 in 4 children. This is a small way you can give back - giving up some floor space to help ensure our neighbor have a special meal. 

Your commitment is pretty simple:

• A space that is accessible to the public
• A collection box/bin/basket
• Monitoring donations 
• Working with volunteer to arrange for donations
• Promoting the drive to your customers

In return, we will commit to:

• Promote your business as a Holiday Hunger Hero with logo and blog post
• Include your logo on our flyer if you commit by November 10
• Updated post and composite wrap up post
• At least 5 teasers via social media throughout the tote drive
• Inclusion in print PR opportunities
• Promotion through your local Patch

To learn more, visit our website and contact us.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to working with more of you ...

The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collects new and gently used tote bags for distribution to the region's food pantries. We are a project of the Thomas Merton Center. Visit our website for a list of permanent drop-off spots, information on how to organize your own tote bag drive and details on our partnerships with corporations and promotional products items. You can also follow us on Twitter@Tote4Pgh and Facebook.com/Tote4pgh