“We just don’t give up — we can’t. We might be that only voice pushing.”

“My love has always been telling stories to children.”

It’s a grimy, sooty world with all sorts of toxic threats that would make any parent anxious. But a number of Pittsburgh organizations can help.

Jeremiah’s Place has served nearly 600 children from 56 zip codes since opening. “It shows a tremendous need and a gap in services, and we’re happy to fill that gap,” says Executive Director LouAnn Ross.

The philanthropic efforts of Whole Foods Market have benefited local students through garden supplies and salad bars at Pittsburgh-area schools.