Sharing Skills and Hope During Pitt's 19th Annual United Way Day of Caring

About 350 University of Pittsburgh administrators, faculty, and staff donned blue jeans and work shirts as they traveled to sites in Oakland and beyond to work on 14 different service projects during Pitt’s 19th United Way Day of Caring on Sept. 29.

The University partnered on the projects with TIAA-CREF, a retirement planning and investment manager for University faculty and staff.

There was more than enough work to go around, with digging and painting skills being in high demand. Among the service projects were interior painting at the Hazelwood YMCA and Lawrenceville’s Stephen Foster Community Center. Volunteers also worked with Hill House Neighborhood Development to plant trees and other greenery in lots adjacent to Cliffside Park, which is a playground on Cliff Street in the Hill District. Crews working at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne sorted and packed bulk foods for distribution to needy families throughout the region.

The Oakland Food Pantry, meanwhile, received help with interior improvements. Stephen Zupcic, Pitt’s assistant director for community relations, said the Oakland pantry, located on Lawn Street in South Oakland, serves 500 families a week.