The LeClaire Civic Club has established an emergency assistance fund for low-income residents in the greater LeClaire area whose immediate need is not fully met through local food banks, clothing closets, and individual churches. It will be operated by the "Christmas in LeClaire" subcommittee which will insure that ALL funds received for the project will directly assist individuals and family in need.

Does the need exist? "We thought so," said organizers, "but were overwhelmed by the support we received from business owners when announcing the project during a LeClaire Marketing Alliance meeting. We received our first donation before the meeting adjourned!"

The November 2014 "Trivia Night in LeClaire" proceeds have been designated for the benevolent fund, and grant applications have been submitted, as well.

"We're off and running, and excited by the support already received!" they added. Referral arrangements are being finalized with local churches and other likely referral sources. "We don't want to duplicate efforts, we want to provide additional help when existing resources cannot meet the need."

Members of the club said it is exactly the sort of project the Civic Club non-profit status promotes, "... the promotion of social welfare (with) primary activities (that) are engaged in promoting the common good and general welfare of the community."

Direct donations to the fund can be made by check payable to "Christmas in LeClaire," adding "Emergency Fund" on the notation line. Mail to: LeClaire Civic Club PO Box 562, LeClaire IA 52753.

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More information: Joyce Kuehl (H) 563-289-4205

February 22, 2014:    The LeClaire Civic Club, located at 127 South Cody Road in downtown LeClaire, hosts "Trivia Night in LeClaire," benefitting the LeClaire Little League.  Doors open at 6:30pm, play begins at 7pm.  Call Vicky 563-639-4621 to reserve a table, or for more information.   $10/person.
February 18, 2014:  The LeClaire Civic Club, located at 127 South Cody Road in downtown LeClaire, hosts "Bunco" from 10am until 12noon.   $2/person, no reservation required.  Coffee provided; soda $1.  Please bring a snack food to share.   Call 563-289-4458 for more information.
The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, with support of the LeClaire Board of Tourism, is
proud to announce the dedication of the Downtown Sound System on Friday, August 3rd at
5:00 P.M. at 122 North Cody Road in LeClaire, Iowa. There will also be the Grand Opening
of the LeClaire Information Center immediately following at 5:15 P.M. RSVP is not required
and refreshments will be served.

Afterwards, enjoy LeClaire's "First Friday" throughout downtown with open shops as well as
food and beverage tastings from 5:30 - 8:30 P.M. Details for these events can be found at
www.leclairechamber.com or www.visitleclaire.com.

The installation of a Sound System with speakers at regular intervals along both sides of
Cody Road was originally part of Phase 1 of the downtown streetscape project. As a cost-
saving measure, the conduit was installed but the actual wiring, control system, and
speakers were postponed indefinitely until funds could be raised to cover the complete
costs.

In 2011, the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce decided that it was time raise the funds
needed and invited local businesses, residents, civic organizations and committees to help
make the project into a reality. Donors giving $1000 or more will be honored through the
"Adopt a Speaker" program by having a donor nameplate displayed by a speaker.

According to Debbie Mulvania, LeClaire Chamber of Commerce President, "The sound
system will enhance the ambience of our downtown area by providing seasonal music for
tourists as well as residents. The system also affords the "emergency public broadcast
notification" capability through an over-ride option given to our municipal police and fire
departments."

The LeClaire Information Center opening in the downtown area has been established by the
LeClaire Office of Tourism in response to the closure of the Mississippi Valley Welcome
Center last year. The Tourism Board believes that this information center located in the
heart of downtown will increase visitation to LeClaire's attractions, restaurants and shops as
well as provide information to tourists as well as prospective residents and businesses
looking to re-locate to LeClaire.

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