North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) and Community Auto have formally merged in order to operate more efficiently.

NHCO is a 23-year-old interfaith organization addressing the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty. Programs include two food pantries, utility assistance, emergency financial help and volunteer care-giving for older adults.

Community Auto was founded in 2003 as a volunteer-run program to accept donated vehicles, have them repaired and sell them at reasonable prices to low-income people.

In September 2005, NHCO and Community Auto formed a partnership whereby NHCO provided back office functions so that Community Auto could concentrate its efforts on fulfilling its mission. The two groups now have determined that a merger would be beneficial for each organization. Community Auto is now a program of NHCO and no longer maintains a separate nonprofit status.

In 2009, 40 low-income people purchased a vehicle with an average price of $2,500. Cars come with a valid PA inspection sticker, three-month/3,500 mile warranty, a one-year AAA membership, a full tank of gas and new car seats for children under age 8.

NHCO urgently needs donations of unwanted vehicles to meet the growing demand. There currently are 44 qualified applicants waiting to purchase a car. Donors receive the maximum possible deduction when they donate their vehicle to NHCO.

Call (724)443-8300 or visit www.nhco.org for more information.