Every Tuesday, people struggling with homelessness from all around Pittsburgh gather in Outreached Arms’ dining room for a warm meal. The outreach ministry for the homeless provides Bible studies, free meals, and necessities to Pittsburgh’s homeless population.
Each week, Outreached Arms welcomes over 300 guests to the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh with a goal to spread their message of hope, provide for the community, and create strong relationships. Not only does the ministry provide warm meals and bible studies, but they also collect donations year round to distribute to those in need.
You actually may have heard of Outreached Arms indirectly before! One of their well known donors is Ryan Peters, the owner of Pittsburgh’s Peter’s Pasta. Peters went viral over the COVID19 pandemic when he started a series where he made pasta every day, doubling the eggs each time. His largest batch contained 4,096 eggs, and drew attention from people all over the country.
But where did all of this pasta go when he was done? Outreached Arms. More and more people learned about the ministry through Peters’ challenge and joined him in supporting the inner city donation center in their own ways.
This year, NASH’s Christian club, Gathering Hope, wants in on the action.
“One of our goals for Gathering Hope is to have a positive impact in our community,” Laura Prosser, the teacher sponsor for the club, said. “We were touched by Outreached Arms and by how many wonderful, deserving people the organization serves.”
The club has helped with Tuesday evening dinners before, waiting tables and serving lasagna. But last year’s drive was wildly successful as well.
“It absolutely filled my trunk and made them very happy. Outside of the toiletry donations we collected, students and teachers donated over $1300 to donate to Outreached Arms,” said Prosser.
Outreached Arms’ co-founder and coordinator Rob Rudy let the school know this year’s needs. Among that list are deodorant, sweatpants, toothpaste, and backpacks.
“There really is a need for these donations,” NASH junior Luke Eaton, one of Gathering Hope’s leaders, said. “Donations have an impact. So many people around Pittsburgh are in deep need and this is a chance to help. Even beyond that, it’s so refreshing to help those in need. There are few things more rewarding and fulfilling than serving others.”
NASH’s Mathematics Department would agree. Last year, several teachers even offered their students bonus points if they agreed to contribute. The whole school worked together to support the needs of those in the city.
“This is an easy way to have a positive impact on a real person who is loved by others and deserving of respect and generosity,” said Prosser.
Eaton wants the school to know the importance of donating, giving, and providing and how it ties into the club’s values.
“When we give and serve, expecting nothing in return, we get to act a little bit like Jesus who gave everything for us,” he said. “I want to resemble Him in every way possible, and this drive is an opportunity to do that.”
Regardless of your reasoning, donating to the drive is simple, easy, and extremely impactful. The drive will run until May 16th. Cash donations are even accepted. Drop off your contribution in Mrs. Prosser’s room (369).
