Sweets can lead to good things at the Chocolate Walk scheduled for March 2 at McCandless Crossing, a fundraiser benefiting North Hills Community Outreach.
Candy lovers can sample chocolate from participating vendors from noon to 6 p.m. in the open-air shopping center at the crossroads of McKnight Road and Duncan Avenue in McCandless. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at www.nhco.org.
Proceeds go toward services and programs at the nonprofit, said NHCO’s Jeff Geissler.
“McCandless Crossing is a wonderful partner that we’ve worked with in the past. They actually approached us with this idea after seeing the popularity of chocolate walks in other towns, and we thought it would be a good idea to try it ourselves,” Geissler said.
Tickets are selling out quickly, he said. Participants begin at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in McCandless Crossing, where they will be provided with a tote before beginning their chocolate walk.
Jacqlyn Boggs, NCHO acting executive director, said the shopping area is a good fit for the walk.
“We are excited for this new fundraising partnership with McCandless Crossing. As a local nonprofit, what we raise here stays here to help our neighbors in need,” she said. “This event is a great opportunity to engage our local businesses right in the heart of our service area, and hundreds of supporters can come out for a fun day knowing that their dollars are making a huge impact in the North Hills.”
NHCO provides support for people living in Northern Allegheny County in times of crisis, hardship and poverty.
The organization also is holding its annual personal care items donation event until April 5 to give to the individuals and families that use the NHCO food pantry.
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used on personal care items, so it is an important unmet need that we address,” Geissler said.
A list of items needed can be found on the NHCO website. Donors can also order items from an Amazon wish list and have them sent directly to the NHCO office, Geissler said.
Donations can be dropped off at any of the NHCO’s three office, including the Allison Park office, 1975 Ferguson Road, McCandless. Other drop-off locations are at the Millvale Community Center and at Greenstone Methodist Church in Avalon.
Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Allison Park office, the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.
