ACTIVITIES AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS PAGE

Division #32 has a variety of programs and activities that give each Sister an opportunity to use her talents for the good of the Order while giving her a sense of accomplishment.

We have participated in every Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade since our founding, including the Blizzard of 1993. We have received the Sara Madigan Award for Best Overall Irish Entry in 2002 and 2010. We also were awarded the Mary Long Award for Best Marching Irish Women in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2007. We are pleased to provide a trolley to accommodate Sisters who are unable to march in the Parade but who want to participate.

The National Irish History, held each fall, is coordinated by the Division Historian. The contest fosters an interest in the history of Ireland and is open to students in grades 6-12. We participate in this contest on an annual basis by coordinating and judging our Division entries prior to sending our best on to the County level after which they may go on to the State/National level. The 2001-02 national winning entry was from a Pittsburgh-area student. For information, contact Jeanne Keenan, failte36@comcast.net.

Since we were chartered in 1991, donations from the Division have totaled in excess of $50,000. Some of the organizations to which we have made donations include the Irish Apostolate in America, the New York City AOH Division that suffered many losses on September 11, 2001, The Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, the Women's Shelter of Pittsburgh, the Columban Fathers and Sisters, Carnegie Food Bank, the Sisters of Divine Providence, Miryam's Center, Red Door Food Assistance, Presents for Patients, Emmaus House, Project St. Patrick, Echoes of Ireland radio program, Just Inn Christian Housing Apartments, The Sisters of the Holy Family of New Orleans, and local families who need assistance. We seek organizations where our donations can make a difference and frequently focus on women and children's needs.

The following organizations are supported on an ongoing basis through collections at our monthly meetings:

The Carnegie Food Bank – in addition to cash donations, a specified food of the month is collected at meetings.

Sisters of St. Joseph – birthday cards are sent to the Sisters at the Infirmary. The Sisters look forward to our summer picnic and holiday party at the Villa. Several members bring their children and grandchildren to these events. The children are a big hit with the Sisters, reminding many of their teaching days. It also teaches the children the happiness one can achieve by visiting older people. We are blessed to have had Sister Frances Rooney, CSJ, serve as our Chaplain since we were chartered.

Project St. Patrick – a National AOH/LAOH Catholic Action program that provides grants to seminarians and those studying for the religious life. Cards are available for memorial and in honor and are available through the Division Catholic Action Chair.

Providing assistance to others is a large part of what the LAOH does. In order to help others, we need to do fundraising. Some of our projects to raise funds are:

Annual Luncheon at Nevillewood – held in November. As our largest fundraiser, it has been a sell-out each year. In addition to a tasty meal in an exquisite setting, guests have the opportunity to take chances on numerous Chinese Auction baskets, wine baskets, a lottery tree and 50/50. Our Chinese Auction baskets are outstanding and have received rave reviews for their content and presentation style.

December Poinsettia Sale – offers several sizes of beautiful poinsettias in shades of red, white and pink. Plants are delivered to the Ukrainian-American Citizens Club, Mansfield Boulevard, Carnegie, and are ready by 10 AM for pick up on a Saturday morning in time for Christmas. Many members purchase plants for residents of local nursing homes which are delivered by the committee. CLICK FOR DETAILS.

The Division sells poinsettias each December. There are three sizes - 4" pot, 6 1/2" pot, and 10" pot - and three colors: red, white and pink. The plants are delivered to the Ukrainian-American Citizens Club, Mansfield Avenue, Carnegie, ready for pick-up by 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning in December. Plants are delivered to several local nursing homes. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

For a list of Events by month, please go to the EVENTS page.