Volunteer With Us

Welcome Blankets is a national project where crafters come together to create beautiful blankets to welcome immigrants. A similar project was held for the families of the victims of the Tree of Life shootings. THRIVE is going to make Welcome blankets for newly arrived immigrants to Pittsburgh!
The blankets can be created in several ways. The easiest way to participate is to knit or crochet an 8” X 8” square which will then be joined with other squares. For the more ambitious, if you would like to create larger panels, we only ask that they be in 8” increments so that we can fit them together with other squares. If you want to make a whole blanket, fabulous! We prefer blankets to be at least 40 x 40", twin size, or full size.
We also have ready-made squares which need to be crocheted together. If you are able to help with that, please let us know! (email below)
We are asking our crafters to make squares to mail or drop off at
North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-6346. If you cannot mail or drop off your squares, please notify us and we will make arrangements to pick them up.
Below are a couple of links for basic instructions for both knit and crocheted squares. Please use worsted weight acrylic yarn so that the blankets are washable and all squares are similar in material. Of course, you are welcome to use any colors and can create any designs on your squares. Some folks make hearts or other designs on the squares!
https://knit-a-square.com/basic-square-knitting-pattern-instructions/
https://knit-a-square.com/square-crochet-pattern-instructions/
For those who you can’t knit or crochet, we accept donations to purchase yarn. Appropriate yarn donations are also welcome. If you need yarn or supplies, also let us know.
Questions? Contact Kathleen Ganster at kganster@verizon.net.
Welcome Blanket Knitalong
THRIVE Supper Clubs
We are happy to announce that our first "post-pandemic" Supper Club will feature Afghan cuisine and will be hosted by St. Paul's United Methodist Church in early 2023! Check back here or our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!
We need volunteers to help with...
Set Up Food Prep
Serving Take Out Clean Up
Video/Tech for Virtual Cultural Program
Create a Welcome Bag



Welcome children with refugee, immigrant or asylum seeker
status to Pittsburgh by donating items from our Welcome Bag lists!
Contact us to arrange for pick up or drop off of items or completed Welcome Bags.
0-4 YRS. OLD
Nightlight
Baby toothbrush
Baby toothpaste
Hairbrush
Stuffed animal
Coloring book
Crayons
Small blanket
Socks
Animal Crackers
5-11 YRS. OLD
Small flashlight
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairbrush/Comb
Stuffed animal
Coloring book
Washable markers
Toy
Socks
Snack bag of chips/pretzels, etc.
12-18 YRS. OLD
Flashlight
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairbrush/Comb
Deodorant
Journal and pen
Socks
Small game
Candy/Snacks