Charity Briefs for May 8, 2012
May 7, 2012 3:30PM
A spaghetti dinner that raises funds to send underprivileged children to summer camp will be from 5 to 7 p.m. June 1 at Parker Road Bible Church, 18512 Parker Road, Mokena. For more information, visit www.somethingfromjessie.com. | Supplied photo
Updated: June 9, 2012 8:08AM
Here is a look at charity news in the Southland.
Sharing Soles: The junior high youth group (Jesus And Me Under The Cross) of United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W. Haven Ave., will have a shoe drive through May 9 to benefit Share Your Soles, which sends shoes to needy all over the world. The youth group will be collecting used shoes and monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at the church office. Call (815) 485-8271.
SSC Gala: The South Suburban College Foundation is having its annual gala at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at Flossmoor Country Club, 1441 Western Ave., Flossmoor. Proceeds from the event, this year called “Showcase 2012: Premier Night,” support academic scholarships and technology improvements for SSC students. Tickets are $125 each and include an open bar and buffet-style dinner, silent auction, dancing and music. Sponsorships are available and auction donations are needed. Call (708) 596-2000, Ext. 2463, or email prush@ssc.edu.
Car wash: Evergreen Park Boy Scout Troop 644 is having its annual car wash from 9 a.m. to noon May 12 at First United Methodist Church of Evergreen Park, 9358 S. Homan Ave. Tickets are $5 per vehicle. Proceeds help defray the cost of summer camp at America’s oldest scout reservation, Owasippe.
Stamp out hunger: The Frankfort Township Food Pantry will benefit from the annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 12. Letter carriers will pick up nonperishable food items that residents place near their mailboxes that day and deliver them to the food pantry. Items should be in plastic bags in the event of rain. Call the food pantry at (815) 806-2761.
Flower fundraiser: Homewood Boy Scout Troop 364, Homewood Pack 304 and Chicago Heights Pack 312 are holding a combined Mother’s Day flower fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon May 12 at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor. The money the Scouts earn selling flowers will help the organization and its families send the boys to summer camp and weekend campouts, and buy clothing and patches, etc.
Lunch and fashions: The Beacon of Light Foundation, along with the Women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Eta Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter, present their 12th Annual Pre-Mother’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show Scholarship Fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. May 12. The event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. Cost is $60 per person, which includes live music, fashion show, fellowship and a presentation of scholarship recipients. Contact Barbara Townsend at (708) 957-4112 or Monshea Aguirre at (708) 439-6033.
Save-A-Life raffle: The New Lenox Fire Foundation is holding its Annual Save-A-Life Raffle, with cash, a vacation trip to Cancun, Mexico; Apple iPad II and flat-screen TVs among the top prizes. A final drawing will be held at noon May 13 at Fire Station No. 1, 261 E. Maple St. Winner need not be present. Raffle tickets are $10 each and are being mailed to everyone residing in the New Lenox Fire Protection District. Tickets also will be available at Fire Station One or at any of the remaining monthly pancake breakfasts. Donations help purchase lifesaving equipment for the fire district.
Fest fundraiser: A Bluegrass Fest fundraiser will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. May 18 at Smokey Barque, 20 Kansas St., Frankfort. The fundraiser will support the Bluegrass Festival to be held July 14 and 15 at Breidert Green in Frankfort. Cost of the fundraiser is $10, which includes live music, food, cash bar, silent auction, raffle and split the pot. Contact Tippi Monstovich at (815) 272-6796.
Aiding animals: Triple R Pets and LuLu’s Locker are having a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18 at 21288 Brown Drive in Frankfort. All proceeds from the sale go directly to help cover veterinarian costs for rescued animals. Visit www.TripleRPets.org.
Fore students: Providence Catholic High School’s Men’s Club will host its annual “Celtic Chip-In” Golf Outing Scramble on May 19 at Green Garden Country Club in Frankfort. There will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Cost is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome and includes 18 holes of golf with motorized cart, lunch and an early dinner. There also will be several raffles and prizes awarded. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds will benefit students at Providence Catholic High School. Contact Ed Barrett at (815) 717-3164 or ebarrett@providencecatholic.org.
ALS Tag Day: About 25 volunteers will be stationed throughout New Lenox on May 19 as part of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Tag Days drive. Manhattan resident Melissa Wilder is spearheading this first-time effort in honor of her sister Mindy Williams, of Chicago Ridge, who was diagnosed with ALS in September 1992. Tag Days help increase awareness of ALS and also raise funds to support medical research, patient services and educational activities. The New Lenox Tag Days drive is one of nearly 30 community drives in the Chicago area. Wilder plans to place volunteers at the intersection of Laraway and Nelson roads, and in front of the nearby CVS.
Crafts and treasures: A fundraiser benefiting The Little Village House & The New Life For Cancer Relay Team will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 19 at New Life Community Church, 5333 W. 151st St., Oak Forest. A rummage sale and craft fair will be held in the church parking lot and food and snacks will be for sale. The team will be participating in the Oak Forest Relay For Life Cancer Benefit, to be held June 22 and 23 at Central Park. Email Jan Mikolajewski at janhboy@yahoo.com.
Walk For Lupus: The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter will host its Fourth Annual Southern Suburbs Walk for Lupus Now event on May 19 at Bicentennial Park, 3401 W. 203rd St., Olympia Fields. Registration opens at 9 a.m.; the walk starts at 10 a.m. The event includes a choice of one- or three-mile walks through Bicentennial Park and Olympia Fields. The family-friendly event will feature entertainment and kids activities. Registration is $25 for adults prior to the event and $30 at the event. Kids 12 and under can register for $10. Call (312) 542-0002 or register online at www.lupuswalkil.org.
Run/Walk to help: The Lincoln-Way North High School Athletic Boosters will host its annual 5K Walk/Run on May 20 at the school, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the stadium and track. Registration begins at 8 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., the boosters will host a free 100-yard dash for kids. Entry fees are $25 for adults ($30 the day of the race), $15 for high school students and $10 for students in sixth through eighth grades. Children in grades five or younger are free. Register by downloading a form at www.lwnab.org and submitting it to Shelley Wantiez in the school’s athletic department or to a booster club member. Proceeds will benefit the athletic programs at Lincoln-Way North. Contact Paula Krieger at (815) 955-3297.
Do the Griff: Sports & Spine Chiropractic in Frankfort and Flexeon Rehabilitation will host the 5th annual “Do the Griff” 4-mile community run May 20 at Lincoln-Way East High School. The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Bankview Drive and Colorado Avenue. Registration is $40 and includes an EnduraFit shirt, goody bag, chip timing, refreshments, awards and postrace activities. The event will include three free kids races, for age groups 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12. Proceeds will benefit Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, Frankfort School District 157-C and Mokena School District 159. Register at www.dothegriff.com. To volunteer at or sponsor the race, contact Sports & Spine at (815) 464-7113.
Pasta and more: Something from Jessie is having a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. June 1 at Parker Road Bible Church, 18512 Parker Road, Mokena. A presentation follows from 7 to 8 p.m. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Proceeds go toward the Something from Jessie Memorial Scholarship, which sends Chicago inner-city students to Phantom Ranch Bible Camp in Mukwonago, Wis. The event features dinner, dessert, a “moon walk” for kids, bean bags, door prizes and live music. Visit www.somethingfromjessie.com.
High Tea: Sertoma Centre and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Center will present their Third Annual Joint Fundraising Ladies High Tea at 11 a.m. June 1 at Crystal Tree Country Club, 10700 W. 153rd St., Orland Park. The cost is $40 and includes a “fashion tips for the future” presentation by Kimberly Bond, of The Kimberly Bond Boutique in Orland Park, vendors showing new products and services, entertainment and three high tea courses. RSVPs must be received by May 23; no walk-in guests will be admitted. For sponsorships, contact Melanie Jones at (708) 305-3680 or griffisjones@msn.com. To request an invitation or make a reservation, contact Amy Chmura at (708) 730-7206 or achmura@sertomacentre.org.
Vendors sought: The Will County Union of King’s Daughters and Sons is seeking high-quality vendors for the Silver Crossings Craft Fair, to be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Silver Cross Hospital Pavilion A, 1870 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Cost is $75 for booth space and an 8-foot table. Vendors are asked to stay the full hours of the fair and to donate a door prize for a raffle. To be considered as an exhibitor, call (815) 729-1264 or email sanla16@aol.com to receive an application, which is due by May 30. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Silver Cross Diabetes Center.
Shoe sale: Share Your Soles is having a Spring Shoe Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through May at 5623 W. 115th St., Alsip. On sale are donated shoes that would be inappropriate or unusable to people in remote regions in which Share Your Soles distributes shoes. However, all proceeds from the sale benefit Share Your Soles.
Dine To End MS: As part of Dine to End MS, a restaurant program that raises awareness and funds for individuals with multiple sclerois, all Chili’s restaurants across the state will donate 10 percent of patrons’ bills to the National MS Society when presented with a special coupon through May 31.
Wine and auction: The Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary Club is hosting a wine-tasting event and silent auction from 7 to 9 p.m. June 1 at Frankie’s Ristorante, 9501 W. 171st St., Tinley Park. Auction items include a Lake Michigan salmon trip and a guided fishing trip in Wausau, Wis. Proceeds benefit the Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary. Tickets are $25 each and can be bought by contacting John Lachat at JL60805@sbcglobal.net.
Feeding starving children: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 295 Sauk Trail, Frankfort, will host a mobile packing event for Feed My Starving Children June 22 and 23. This is a community event that will pack 100,000 meals for children around the world. For more information, visit www.goodshepherdfrankfort.org/mobilepack.
Banking on food: Marquette Bank will be collecting nonperishable food items at its 24 locations through June 23 during its 5th Annual Neighborhood Food Drive. Donations will be distributed to local pantries and neighborhood food banks through the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Bank employees will be spending several days volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository sorting and packing donated food items.
Fore kids: The Mokena Community Park Foundation is holding its inaugural President’s Cup Golf Outing on July 16, with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a scramble shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. A two-hour open bar, dinner, prizes and raffles will begin at 6 p.m. Cost is $500 per foursome, which includes golf, carts, lunch and dinner. Dinner only is $50 per person. Registration deadline is July 9. Sponsorship opportunities are available; deadline is June 29. Call the Mokena Park District at (708) 390-2401 or email jromanek@mokenapark.com.
Relay for Life: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of New Lenox will be July 13 at Lincoln-Way West High School. Contact the American Cancer Society at (708) 633-7770 or visit Relayforlife.org/newlenoxil.
Run for a cause: Athletes are invited to run this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 7 as part of the Special Olympics Chicago team. Registration has opened at www.sochicago.org. There is no cost to join the Special Olympics Chicago running team, however, participants are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000. Runners will also need to register for the Chicago Marathon at www.chicagomarathon.com.
Dream ticket: The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Foundation for Educational Excellence is poised to kick off its $100,000 Lincoln-Way Dream Raffle. Ticket-buyers receive $100 in coupons from local businesses. The grand prize is $100,000, with eight second prizes of $1,000. Buy tickets online at www.dreamraffle.org. Contact Linda Lopez at (815) 462-2976.
Donations sought: The American Association of Single Parents, Inc., in Park Forest, is seeking program materials and monetary donations after losing more than $7,000 in materials needed for its Academics Creating Excellence After-School and Summer Day Camp programs when its former location went into foreclosure. Checks should be made payable to American Association of Single Parents and mailed to P.O. Box 226, Chicago Heights, IL 60466, or make a donation by PayPal at www.aasp-inc.org. For a list of materials needed, contact Nicole Howell at (708) 705-2430 or at nicolehowell@aasp-inc.org.
Purr-fect Donations: The South Suburban Humane Society is seeking donations to help take care of kittens expected to arrive soon. The humane society is registered at Target and Wal-Mart. Donated items also can be dropped off at The South Suburban Humane Society at 1103 West End Ave., Chicago Heights, or the SSHS Spay/Neuter Clinic at 18349 S. Halsted St., Glenwood.
Summer Attire Needed: Nu2u, Together We Cope’s resale shop at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, seeks donations of children’s spring and summer clothing in all sizes and styles. The nonprofit assists families in temporary crisis from 22 south suburban communities. The store also is open to the public and provides revenue to fund Together We Cope programs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 2 to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Call (708) 633-9180.
Donations sought: The Silver Cross Hospital resale shop, the Encore Shop, is accepting donations of gently used seasonal decorations, adult and children’s clothing, household items and books. Donations can be dropped off 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of the month at the Encore Shop at 1200 Maple Road, Joliet, just north of the former Silver Cross Hospital Emergency Department. Call (815) 300-7642 or Volunteers Services at Silver Cross Hospital at (815) 300-7117.
Target St. Christopher School: St. Christopher School in Midlothian is continuing its participation in Target Corp.’s “Take Charge of Education” program. To help the school, individuals need to use their Target REDcard and inform the checkout person that they would like St. Christopher School to receive credit for the purchase. It does not cost the purchaser anything and Target Corp. will donate up to 1 percent of the REDcard purchases to the school.
Help for Share Your Soles founder: Donations are being accepted for Share Your Soles founder Mona Purdy, who lost her apartment building and nearly everything she owned in a fire earlier this year. Share Your Soles collects shoes for underprivileged people worldwide, but Purdy now is trying to get back on her feet personally. Ram Racing has set up an online donation site, at www.ramracing.org/mona. Checks made out to “Benefit for Mona Purdy” also are being accepted at and can be mailed to Standard Bank & Trust, 11901 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464.
Shopping for school: The Summit Hill Educational Foundation is part of the Dominick’s family of stores’ eScrip program. To participate in the SHEF fundraiser, individuals need to register their Fresh Values cards at Dominick’s. For information, call (815) 474-9052 or visit board@summithillfoundation.org.
Donations needed: Neat Repeats Resale stores in Orland Park and Worth are in need of gently used women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes and jewelry along with small household appliances and kitchen items in good working order. The Neat Repeats stores depend on community residents to provide the inventory for the retail operations. All donations benefit women and children who are receiving services free of charge from the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. Items can be dropped off at either store location: 7026 W. 111th St. in Worth, (708) 361-6860; or 9028 W. 159th St. in Orland Park, (708) 364-7605.
Donations sought: The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is seeking donations as part of its annual appeal. In 2012, the museum is trying to raise money for its new “We the People” interactive exhibit, which will teach kids about the importance of patriotism and includes pieces of two beams from the World Trade Center. Donations can be made online at the museum’s website, www.cmoaklawn.org, by following the links to donate or become a member; by mail at Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 or in person at the museum. Call (708) 423-6709.
Sharing soles: Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia, is collecting shoes for the Share Your Soles organization, 5623 W. 115th St., Alsip. Any gently worn shoes will be accepted 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. The goal of the charity is to provide shoes to underprivileged families worldwide. Call (708) 403-4222.
Boot drive: Share Your Soles is seeking donations to help meet the needs of the thousands of bootless children in the Chicago area. Monetary donations and boot donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the Share Your Soles facility, 5623 W. 115th St., Alsip, IL 60803.
Pets for vets: To ease the financial costs associated with pet ownership, the Animal Welfare League offers all veterans with military ID an exclusive 20 percent adoption fee discount. Adoptions include a free leash and collar or cat carrier, AVID Microchip, 10-day health care and one-year rabies vaccination. Adoptable pets can be viewed online at www.animalwelfareleague.com or by visiting the Chicago Ridge location, noon to 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Veterans can also get a 10 percent discount off veterinary services through its clinic, which is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Information: visit www.PetsforPatriots.org or call (877) 473-8223.
Volunteers sought: Catholic Charities is seeking volunteers to help at “The Giving Tree” donation center at 3016 S. State St. in Lockport. Volunteers will assist with sorting, organizing and distributing a variety of items. Volunteers must be available to help on weekdays and be at least 18. Contact Marianne Holzhauer at (815) 774-4663, Ext. 3105 for information. If you are in need of services, contact Daybreak Center at the same phone number. For more information about the programs and services provided by Catholic Charities, visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org.
Ring up donations: South Suburban Family Shelter is seeking cell phone donations and new cell phone collection sites for its ongoing fundraising program. The agency works with a company that specializes in the collection and recycling of used cellular phones. Some cell phone collection sites include: SSFS administrative office, 18139 Harwood, Homewood; Bergstein’s NY Deli, 200 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights; and Doyle Designed Salon, 2630 Flossmoor Road., Flossmoor. Call (708) 794-2140, Ext.303.
Opportunities for animals: The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge is selling Golden Opportunities Books 2012 for $25 each to raise money for its homeless animals. The books offer 50 percent-off coupons and two-for-one discounts at local restaurants, movies, grocers, sporting events and more. The Chicagoland South Suburban/Northwest Indiana Edition is available at the shelter. Call (708) 636-8586, Ext. 268.
Filling pantries: Working to meet unprecedented demand at its pantries in Worth and Summit, Catholic Charities southwest regional office is accepting donations of food and money earmarked for the pantries at its office, 7000 W. 111th St. in Worth. Call (708) 430-0428.
New program: Sertoma Centre Inc. hopes to reach a growing population of individuals who have been dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and mental illness. Its new program is a part of the Developmental Training Programs at Sertoma Centre, which will provide the opportunity for individuals to receive group or individual counseling. Participants in the program also will be given alternatives to talk therapies to better suit the needs of a wide range of individuals. Art, sand and play therapy techniques will be utilized for those who struggle with expressing their thoughts and feelings. Also, the utilization of poetry, music, and journaling will be implemented for relaxation and therapeutic interventions. Contact Heather Beckner at (708) 730-6333 or at hbeckner@sertomacentre.org.
Un-fundraiser set: The Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation did not host the annual “Lynzapalooza” fundraising event in 2011 but has been sponsoring an “un-fundraiser” in Lyndsey’s name. The foundation will continue its commitments to various causes with funds raised at past events and those received through the 2011 “Un-Fundraiser” campaign. Individuals may make a donation by credit card through a secure PayPal account at www.lyndseywhittinghamfoundation.com or send a check payable to The Lyndsey Whittingham Foundation, P.O. Box 42, Frankfort, IL 60423. The foundation honors the memory of Lyndsey Whittingham, a Frankfort woman who died after being hit by a taxi in Chicago in 2006 at the age of 23. Funds raised are used to provide donations to causes, charities and scholarships in her name. Contact John or Julie Pyle at (815) 474-6391 or email lwf@lyndseywhittinghamfoundation.com.
Gift cards aid shelter: South Suburban Family Shelter is participating in Jewel-Osco’s gift card program. Gift cards are available for purchase in $25, $50 and $100 increments, and the shelter will receive a 5 percent rebate for cards sold by the agency. Payment is made to South Suburban Family Shelter for the face value of the gift card: Proceeds benefit the programs and services provided free of charge to victims of domestic violence and their families. Contact the shelter at (708) 794-2140, Ext.303, or visit the administrative offices at 18139 Harwood, Homewood.
Tickets for a cause: Sertoma Centre Inc. has joined Tix4Cause.com, a ticket exchange website, to offer a new way for supporters to donate. The Tix4Cause website provides an online platform where ticketholders can donate unwanted tickets to Sertoma Centre and receive a tax deduction. Buyers then purchase these tickets, often at reasonable prices, and Tix4Cause passes 100 percent of the proceeds on to Sertoma Centre. Tix4Cause handles every aspect of customer service including ticket processing and handling. Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park is the first to donate tickets on behalf of Sertoma Centre. The tickets are valued at $140 and include four rounds of open play, 1-18 holes on their course. Sertoma Centre Inc. is a nonprofit agency that provides services to more than 625 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities and/or mental illness. Contact Melanie Jones at (708) 730-6206, www.sertomacentre.org or visit www.tix4cause.com.
Shop for PADS: South Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) has joined the network of charitable organizations that turn gently used fashions and accessories into cash at the Spree store at 151st Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park. All donations of gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses and other accessories donated at the Spree store can earn money for PADS. When individuals drop their items at Spree and select PADS as the charity of their choice, PADS receives a check for these donations. Information: Contact Dawn Thrasher at (708) 754-4357, Ext. 107, or dawn@sspads.org.
Furniture helps Sertoma: Sertoma Centre is seeking donations of furniture for resale at its Good as New thrift store, 4331 Lincoln Highway in Matteson. Sertoma will pick up used donated furniture items and provide a receipt for tax purposes. The thrift store sales benefit more than 625 physically or developmentally challenged clients being served at the Sertoma Centre each day. To schedule a free pickup, contact Karey Wentz, Thrift Store manager, at (708) 481-5627, or e-mail kwentz@sertomacentre.org.
Replenish the pantry: Elsie’s Pantry, located at Moraine Valley Community Church in Palos Hills, has an ongoing need for canned goods and monetary donations to keep up with the increasing need. Since June 2000, the pantry has served more than 27,000 people living in Palos Hills, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Hickory Hills and parts of Bridgeview, Justice, Orland Park, Willow Springs and Worth. However, donations have decreased over the past two years, forcing the pantry to use its reserves, which, if not replenished, would run out by the end of the year. Canned goods can be brought to the church between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Donations by check may be made to Elsie’s Pantry, 8601 W. 107th St., Palos Hills, 60465. Information: (708) 598-4435.
Free bag of food: New Mercies Community Services was organized in 2003 to provide support services to low-income, elderly and disabled families in south Cook County. The organization operates a food pantry in Midlothian that distributes bags of food twice weekly to this same targeted population. Food distribution is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at New Mercies Community Services, 3824 W. 147th St., Midlothian. Donations to support the service also are sought. Information: Laurie Reed at (708) 606-2864.
Come clean: Together We Cope is seeking donations of personal care items — including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and disposable razors — that will be shared with families utilizing food pantry services. Donations of any quantity may be dropped off at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency assisting families in temporary crisis from 22 south suburban communities. Information: Suellen or Tina at (708) 633-5040 or www.togetherwecope.org.
Reaching out: Together We Cope in Tinley Park has established an emergency outreach food program with Faith United Methodist Church as a partner. Emergency bags of nonperishable food will be delivered to the Orland Park church to increase outreach to families needing food. The organization seeks to establish similar partnerships with other area churches. Information: Mary Ann Baer at (708) 633-5040.
Furniture pickup: Together We Cope has added an additional day to its schedule for furniture pickups in Tinley Park and nearby suburbs. With pickups on Tuesdays and Fridays, there now is new inventory of gently used furniture twice a week at the organization’s resale shop, located at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. The shop is open six days a week, and a small donation is requested for furniture pickups. Information: Call the shop at (708) 633-9180 or visit www.togetherwecope.org. Together We Cope is a nonprofit agency assisting families in crisis from 27 south suburban communities.
Help soldiers call home: “Cell Phones for Soldiers” was started by two teenagers to help buy calling cards to send to U.S. military stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. They are collecting old cell phones and accessories. The cell phones are recycled for cash and proceeds used to buy the calling cards for the soldiers. “Cell Phones for Soldiers” has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Daniels Printing and Office Supply, 14800 Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, is an official drop-off point for any make or model cell phone. Information: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
Seeking senior volunteers: The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Catholic Charities is seeking people 55 or older willing to share their talents and help those in need at a variety of local organizations, mainly in the Joliet Diocese. Catholic Charities will match individual interests with available volunteer opportunities and will provide supplementary insurance, mileage and meal reimbursement during volunteer service. Information: Cindy, (815) 933-7791, Ext. 125.
Donate cell phones: South Suburban Family Shelter is collecting old cell phones to be recycled. The recycling process produces revenue to support the shelter’s services. The Rotary Club of Park Forest has paired up with the shelter to help in the collection process. For a list of donation sites, visit www.rotaryofparkforest.org and click on “cell phone locations,” or www.ssfs1.org and click on “donate.”
Wendy’s Night: VFW Post 177 MacDonald-Linn has a fundraiser between 5 and 8 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at the Wendy’s Restaurant at 79th Street and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview. Proceeds benefit the VFW National Home for Children, located in Michigan. Participants simply order food (drive-through or sit-in) from Wendy’s during this time period, and Wendy’s donates a portion of its profits to this cause.
Eat and earn: St. Christopher School and Kenootz Pizzeria, 4659 W. 147th St. in Midlothian, have teamed up for an “Eat and Earn” fundraiser on the first Tuesday of every month. Kenootz Pizzeria will donate 25 percent of all profits for dine-in, carryout and delivery orders (before taxes, gratuity and coupons) to the school. Be sure to mention St. Christopher School when ordering.
Food for victims: South Suburban Family Shelter is in need of nonperishable food items such as canned soups, vegetables and fruit for its clients who are experiencing domestic violence. Personal hygiene products (regular, not sample size please) are also needed. Donations may be dropped off at 18139 Harwood, Homewood. Please call ahead before dropping off items. Contact the shelter at (708) 794-2140, Ext. 303.
Text to Give: St. Xavier University’s Department for University Advancement announces a new “Text to Give” mobile giving campaign to benefit the university’s Class Gift Fund and the St. Xavier Fund. The program allows donors to make $10 donations using their mobile phones through Give by Cell, an approved mobile giving technology provider. You can make a gift to the Class Gift Fund by texting CLASSGIFT with your first and last name to 20222, or you can make a gift to the St. Xavier Fund by texting SXU with your first and last name to 20222. Donors can give multiple times a month depending on your carrier. Donations are tax-deductible, and pledges are billed through your monthly cell phone bill. Messaging and data rates may apply. For information, visit www.givebycell.com.
