Five Ways to Volunteer in the Cranberry Area This Summer

Although we’ve only noted five of them, there are many, many places and many ways to volunteer in the Cranberry area.

Check out these great organizations and then list your own volunteer opportunities in the comment section below. 

1. The Cranberry CUP

Founded more than a decade ago by township resident Cathy Cortazzo, the nonprofit Cranberry Community Uniting People has raised more than $1 million for local families in need.

Each year, the organization holds a neighborhood softball tournament and golf outing to support a local family. This year’s beneficiary is the Longs, of Cranberry.

A longtime volunteer and single mother of three, Kim Long was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last June.

New this year, a 5K race also will be held to support the organization.

The Cranberry CUP takes place Aug. 2, 3 and 4. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

To learn more about the Cranberry CUP, click here.

2. Cranberry Kids Castle

Volunteers are needed to build the “Today” section of the new Cranberry Kids Castle playground at Community Park.

The Today section, which includes a clock tower and a variety of slides, will be built by community volunteers July 31 through Aug. 4.

The Kids Castle replaces the wooden Playtime Palace.

Another 200 people are still needed to sign up for one shift of work. Each shift lasts 4.5 hours. Volunteers also are welcome to sign up for more than one shift

To volunteer for the Cranberry Kids Castle community build out,click here. 

3. Hello Bully

A Pittsburgh-based non-profit focused on rescuing, rehoming, rehabilitating and repairing the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier, Hello Bully was founded by Cranberry resident Daisy Balajeweder. A halfway house for the bullies is located in Cranberry.

Hello Bully’s next volunteer orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. at the Panera Bread in Cranberry.

E-mail Laura@hellobully.com if you would like to attend. To learn more about Hello Bully, click here.

4. Friends of the Park

The Friends of the Park is a nonprofit group founded with the mission of preserving and enhancing the Zelienople and Harmony Community Park. To do this, the organization raises money through volunteering and support from the community and local businesses.

Prior events have included the Derby Duck Race, the Polar Plunge and the Firecracker 5K. Up next is the second annual Connoquenessing Creek Cleanup Celebration Saturday Aug. 10 at the Beacon Hotel in Renfrew.

To learn more about FOTP, click here.

5. Fire Departments

Local fire departments are always in need of more volunteers. Volunteering with the organizations doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rush into burning buildings, either. Many departments have auxiliary groups and fire police.

• To learn more about the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company, click here
• To learn more about the Adams Area Fire Department, click here
• To learn more about the Zelienople Fire Department, click here
• To learn more about the Harmony Fire Company, click here
• To learn more about the Evans City Area Volunteer Fire Department, click here