Staff of the United Steelworkers headquarters today delivered two carloads full of winter clothing and other essential items donated by USW members to St. Mary of Mercy Church for people in need of warm clothing.
The church, just a block away from the USW building, operates the Red Door Pittsburgh, which provides daily meals and other services to needy Pittsburghers. The region saw multiple winter weather warnings this week, and many of the people who seek services from St. Mary’s do not have permanent housing, leaving them especially vulnerable to the cold.
Members donated hundreds of winter clothing items, including coats, hats, gloves, mittens, boots, socks, backpacks and sweats.
USW staff Gina Hackett and Matt Becker spearheaded the clothing drive effort after seeing many people frequently waiting outside St. Mary’s to receive hot food, drinks, clothes and other essential goods.
“We see the need every day – we can see it from our windows in the building,” said Becker.
Sister Pawla Witula, assistant coordinator of The Red Door, said the donations will be key to getting through the holiday season. She also thanked the Steelworkers for their generosity.
“It will be a huge blessing to the homeless here and we hope this will help us get through the next few weeks,” said Witula.
Hackett said she hopes the donations will help people to be warmer and more comfortable, especially during the holiday season.
Donations for men’s winter clothing, men’s shoes and backpacks can still be dropped off through Mon., Dec. 19, in the lobby of USW headquarters, at the corner of the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street in Pittsburgh.
