When Jared Pascoe returned to Pittsburgh from Los Angeles, he brought some of the West Coast with him. Last August, Pascoe co-founded a Pittsburgh chapter of the L.A.-based LGBT-service organization, Gay for Good.

"There was definitely a need for volunteerism from the gay community in Pittsburgh," says Pascoe, 31, of Friendship.

In the past year, Pittsburgh's Gay for Good chapter has worked with 15 nonprofits around the city, from Lawrenceville United and Tree Pittsburgh to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Persad. Volunteers have clocked more than 3,000 hours during monthly service projects.

Pascoe says it was important for the LGBT community to be visible outside of traditional events like Pride.

"Often times, the only socialization the gay community gets is in a bar," he says. "It's important for the community to step out of that social environment and do something for the greater good."

Gay for Good is one of six chapters across the country. The group will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Sat., Aug. 25, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Toonseum Downtown.