In his role as a volunteer for the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Harvest Fair, George McDermott never stops.

The Fox Chapel Area alum and Duquesne University junior has lent his time for three years to ready donations for the church’s annual fundraiser.

“We are so busy,” volunteer coordinator Fay Powell said. “My favorite thing about George is he needs little direction. He is a favorite among the workers for his willingness to serve, his respect for the other volunteers and his dedication to this mission project.

“We feel blessed to have his volunteer spirit and support.”

McDermott, 20, studies biology on the pre-med track at college. He is also a member of the Duquesne Pep Band, playing trombone like he did for the Foxes.

Between his summer custodial job at Fox Chapel Area High School and seeking volunteer hours at EMS agencies, McDermott makes the Harvest Fair a staple of his summer schedule.

“The event donates proceeds to food banks and charities that help moms in need, and I like the sound of that,” he said. “And I think it’s good to be recycling old items that are still in mostly good shape. You can find a lot of hidden gems there.”

Founded in 1954, the Harvest Fair has brought in nearly $2 million to benefit food banks, women’s shelters, after-school enrichment programs and more.

Preparation for the Harvest Fair begins in winter, with the collection of clothes, household goods, sports equipment and more.

The items are cleaned and repaired as needed, and sorted and put on display before the event, which is a much-anticipated affair.

Most of McDermott’s time is spent muscling boxes and heavy furniture. There are pickups from local homes and organizing that needs to be taken care of too.

“They have me move boxes to make more room, and mostly I’m moving things out of people’s way,” he said.

Many of the donations, including couches, kitchen items and décor, are discarded because a family is downsizing or moving from the area, McDermott said.

Throughout the church, thousands of items go for sale, including furniture, books, jewelry, linens and more.

“It’s a bunch of really good stuff and the people could easily sell it, but they choose to give it to the church, and I appreciate that,” he said.

McDermott said he’s been lucky to find necessities for his college dorm, including plates and silverware.

“It’s good quality and a really good price,” he said.

Volunteer Carol Huff said McDermott puts his time to good use.

“He is very hard-working,” Huff said. “He is reliable and conscientious, and he comes to work with a smile even though he knows we need him to move heavy boxes and furniture.”

Huff said the church donated $120,000 last year to support 40 local nonprofits, including Backpacks for Hunger, Youth Empowerment Program of Sharpsburg, Aspinwall Meals on Wheels, Fox Family Cares, Blessing Board, Roots of Faith and Hosanna House.

McDermott said he plans to keep coming back, as long as he can sandwich the time into his busy schedule.

“I enjoy the people. Everyone is very nice and the money goes back to the community, so that really stands out to me,” he said.

The fair is scheduled Sept. 5-6 at the church, 384 Fox Chapel Road.

For information on donations or volunteering, call the church office at 412-963-8243 or visit fcpc.us.

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