As school retirees, we are particularly sensitive to the needs of children and adults who need a helping hand. For the past several years we have been volunteering at the Batch Foundation in Munhall. Below are two events we did in 2024. We anticipate volunteering again in August and December, 2025. If you are interested in helping with this, please email Bobbie Patton at bobbiepatton1946@gmail.com to confirm your willingness. Thank you. Directions are on the website. https://www.batchfoundation.org
“Batch Packs”​
On August 20, a group of volunteers from ACASR and the Pgh chapter met at the Batch Foundation in Munhall to help with their annual back-to-school project. The Batch Foundation is a marvelous facility for the community housing a huge gym/multipurpose room, a running track, a technology center with computers and graphics capabilities, a commercial kitchen to prepare students in the culinary arts and much more. The foundation is operated by Charlie Batch and supported by his many donors. In the summer, they run an all-day day camp for kids to attend when school is not in session and summer drags. That day we helped to pack “Batch Packs” for kids and teachers going back to school. The multipurpose room was filled with tables overflowing with binders, pencil boxes, notebook paper, folders, pens, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, erasers, rulers, markers, crayons, pencil sharpeners and more. All items were tallied and placed in backpacks and packed up according to grade level. Items were donated by Walmart, Staples and Target. Charlie showed up with his standard black poodle named Pluto. He went to each group and thanked them for their help. He answered questions and posed for pictures. This is a very worth while endeavor and we all felt better for doing it although we were very tired by twelve noon.
See photos in the gallery of past activities.
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“Batch A Toy”
On December 11, a group of volunteers from our chapter and PghASR went to the Batch Foundation in Munhall to wrap some of the thousands of items that had been donated for Christmas delivery. The huge gym was crammed with games, puzzles, books, sporting equipment, artist supplies, as well as home goods such as pots and pans, bedding, towels, kitchen tools and blankets. Everything was sorted into age groups and sometimes gender. Tables in the back were set up with baskets of tape, tags, markers and ribbons. Many large boxes were around with rolls and rolls of wrapping paper with dozens of holiday designs. We worked in small groups and were given a card with family members’ names and proceeded to select gifts appropriate for each person on our list. At our intro to the morning, we were tasked with meeting new friends. What a great idea. I went to several tables and introduced myself and talked with that group. It was fun. Charlie Batch always shows up to show his gratitude and to chat with each group and pose for pictures. All of the wrapped presents are delivered on Christmas Eve to the delight of over 400 families. This volunteering activity is a most rewarding time. See photos on our website.
Address is on their website. https://www.batchfoundation.org.
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Community Food Bank
ACASR is joining PghASR for a community service day at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The date is May 20, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The address is : Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110.
Parking is in front of the building. Use the main entrance. We will be sorting and repackaging food items in the Volunteer Engagement Center. Closed-toe shoes are required. Must be at least 12 years old to participate. All participants must complete a volunteer sign up form.
Contact Glory Getty at gggetty700w@aol.com for more info. We need all volunteers to register at least ten days in advance so we can plan appropriately and ensure that everyone has signed our safety waivers before arriving. Please consider joining us for a much-needed afternoon at the food bank.
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