Toys for Tots benefits from Mineo’s collections in Hampton, Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebanon

The 2022 holiday season marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, and a Pittsburgh restaurant chain has been providing considerable help toward the cause.

Mineo’s Pizza House collected toys at its three locations — in Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebanon and Hampton — culminating with a special event on Dec. 13.

Parked at the Hampton restaurant was the Mobile Tailgating Unit, a fixture at Pittsburgh sporting events since Steelers fan John Dusch converted a former ambulance in 1990. The vehicle was stuffed with donations to be dropped off for Toys for Tots, which in three-quarters of a century has distributed 627 million toys and supported 281 million children.

“Toys for Tots is a wonderful organization. We wanted to be able to give back to the community, and as the Mineo’s family, all three locations wanted to participate,” Tia Popojas, a manager at Squirrel Hill, said. “We’ve been collecting toys for a little while now, and all of the customers at all of the sites have been great.”

The Hampton event featured live broadcasts by Chris Mueller and Andrew Fillipponi for their afternoon sports talk show on 93.7-FM, and by CBS sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala for her weekly program. Other guests included Santa Claus and Dr. Seuss’ Grinch.

Mineo’s opened on Wildwood Road in May, and co-owner Dominic Mineo, son of restaurant founder Giovanni Mineo Sr., reported a warm reception from North Hills customers.