March 1 - April 30

Rock Island, IL - For the 17th consecutive year, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation in Rhode Island will divide $1 million among hunger-fighting agencies nationwide, including Christian Care in Rock Island. As an incentive to help raise funds from March 1 through April 30, Mr. Feinstein will provide a percentage of the $1 million to Christian Care, based on the amount of donations they receive during challenge's time frame. Challenge donations include cash, checks, food items (valued by the Feinstein Foundation at $1.00 per item or pound) and pledges to donate. Many donors have found that pledging facilitates their efforts. For example, if someone pledges $300, they may meet their challenge by paying just $25 a month to do so. Christian Care will receive credit for the full $300 amount. Donors must designate all monetary donations, food donations and pledges for the Feinstein Hunger Challenge. The more donations Christian Care receives between March 1 and April 30, the larger the percentage of Feinstein Hunger Challenge money they will be awarded.

Christian Care has been feeding the hungry for 97 years. Although the organization's focus is primarily on the homeless and victims of domestic violence, the Christian Care Community Meal Site welcomes anyone in the community who is hungry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on weekdays Monday through Friday and breakfast and dinner are served on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:15 PM, and dinner at 6:30 PM. The community relies on Christian Care not only to serve hot meals every day, but also to provide a warming station for nonresident homeless individuals during the winter.

The Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation continues to be one of the leading fundraising organizations in the fight to end hunger. Founded in 1991 by Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Feinstein Foundation is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, the importance of community service in education and the values of caring, compassion and brotherhood. Feinstein's past annual spring $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised over $2 billion for over 1,800 agencies and houses of worship helping the needy nationwide.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309-786-5734 for more information.

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Rock Island, IL - The popularity of crossfit fitness programs continues to build momentum with both serious exercisers and newcomers. On January 24, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is raising the bar at CrossFit Bond, giving viewers the opportunity to see what the crossfit trend is all about. A viewing party is scheduled at 5:00 pm at 1417 Kimberly Road in Bettendorf. CrossFit is a worldwide strength and conditioning fitness program that uses a wide variety of exercises, including running, rowing, plyometrics, gymnastics, weight training, and Olympic weightlifting techniques. CrossFit Bond is providing a unique opportunity to observe a workout to see what this new craze is all about. Donations are welcome and all proceeds will go directly to Christian Care's Domestic Violence Shelter and Rescue Mission to help them transform the lives of the homeless and survivors of domestic violence. A Christian Care representative will be on hand to answer any questions about the organization.

The Rock Island Arsenal's Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) recognizes Army noncommissioned officers in the ranks of corporal through sergeant first class who display exemplary leadership, characterized by personal concern for the needs, training development and welfare of soldiers. To be inducted into the SAMC, a soldier must be recommended by his chain of command. The club's namesake, Audie Murphy, rose to national fame as the most decorated U.S. combat soldier of World War II.

CrossFit Bond is a strength and conditioning facility that develops individuals, athletes, and teams to reach elite levels of fitness through constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity. Their methods produce undisputed, tangible results for all levels of fitness; from children to elite athletes, and everyone in between. There isn't a strength and conditioning program anywhere that works with a greater diversity of tools, modalities, and drills.

Christian Care transforms the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, and a wide range of programs for those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309-786-5734 for more information, or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org.

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Rock Island, IL - John Jefferson is going to college! When John first arrived as a homeless veteran at Christian Care's Rescue Mission, he had no idea what direction his life would take. He certainly never saw the possibility of attending college in his future.

Thirty years ago, John served our country as a Marine?specifically, as a Military Policeman at a Nuclear Weapons Facility. After his discharge, he worked for several employers before losing his job. Like so many others, both military and civilian, he encountered difficulty getting hired and realized that, given his age and the state of the economy, he was unlikely to be able to get another job on his own. A friend mentioned that Veteran's Assistance programs in the Quad Cities had offered him much-needed help, so John decided to see for himself.

John began working with Andrea St. Clair, Christian Care's Veterans Services Coordinator. St Clair meets weekly with each veteran in the program to help them identify goals and objectives and formulate a plan to help make those goals a reality. She tracks their progress and growth while they reside at Christian Care and provides weekly workshops designed to provide much-needed information and build skill sets.

It was at one of these workshops that John was motivated to create his personal career plan. After attending First Midwest Bank's workshop on "Money Matters," John set up a checking account and started building his financial stability. When a Black Hawk College recruiter spoke to a group of residents at Christian Care, John was inspired. What he once thought of as "just a dream" suddenly seemed like a very real possibility. John knew with certainty that he wanted to become a nurse. He enrolled in Black Hawk College's Practical Nursing Program and is now a full time student. "I have used these workshops to get me to where I am today," said Jefferson with confidence.

In order to enroll in college, John needed to have proper identification, proof of a local bank account, transcripts and his birth certificate. "Andrea has helped me get over walls," said Jefferson. "She has made sure that everything I needed was in place." St. Clair also helps Jefferson maintain a monthly calendar showing all of his appointments to ensure that he adheres to his plan. Jefferson states that having his appointments laid out so that he can see them makes life feel more manageable: "She has helped me prioritize a really confusing part of my life!"

Jefferson attributes his success so far to Christian Care's strict policies. He adds that, "Christian Care is providing many useful services. If everyone took advantage of these services, they would be a step ahead themselves." Jefferson has used his time at Christian Care to save his money and advance himself. "I realize how many bridges I have crossed since October. None of this would have been possible without Christian Care's support!"

By providing residents with much-needed tools, resources, guidance and support Christian Care is able to help residents transform their lives. But the organization needs community support to continue offering their services. "Just as our change programs are helping more people than ever before, donations are down this year. We need financial help from the community to continue serving the veterans, the homeless, victims of domestic violence, men and women transitioning from prison, and those with mental illness," said Lindsey Lobur, Christian Care's Marketing and Development Manager. "It is exciting to see what happens when individuals are empowered to reach their full potential. I would hate to see that stop."

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 organization that operates two facilities in Rock Island?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. They provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, professional counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nurturing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309-786-5734 for more information, or to set up an interview.

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Rock Island, IL-Start the New Year out right by getting fit and healthy while supporting a local charity at the same time. When new members make a donation of $27 or more to Christian Care during the month of December, they will receive a discount on their membership fees at Ultimate Fitness. But?even more importantly?they will be helping to support the programs of Christian Care as it works to transform the lives of the abused women and children and the homeless men they serve. Simply present a Christian Care donation receipt to one of two Quad City Ultimate Fitness locations and sign up for a new membership. For more information call Lindsey at Christian Care at (309) 786-5734.

Ultimate Fitness provides a full range of services for members and their guests at two world-class facilities in Bettendorf and Rock Island. Designed with members in mind, the atmosphere is very comfortable and there are 15 separate private rooms (instead of one big fishbowl like most clubs). Ultimate Fitness has been serving the QCA for over 20 years, and they offer the most equipment in the Quad Cities, so there is never any waiting! Twelve-month memberships are a great value, starting at $29.95 a month, or at a discounted rate for yearly memberships paid in full. As an added bonus, member-ships include free tanning or free use of ActivTrax. See www.qcultimatefitness.com for full membership details or give them a call at (563) 355-4741.

Christian Care transforms the lives of a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their domestic violence shelter and their rescue mission they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, rigorous programs, referrals and guidance for those in need. Christian Care serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mentally illness, providing their residents with an opportunity to start new, more productive lives.

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Christian Care can help you out this Holiday Season!

Rock Island, IL, November 25–Are you having trouble finding the perfect gift to give to the person who has everything? Christian Care can help you out this Holiday Season. For $20, you can give the gift of a seasonal bouquet of flowers from Colman Florist and Greenhouses every month for a year! Best of all, half the proceeds will go to Christian Care to provide shelter and services for the homeless and for survivors of domestic violence in our community. Not only will you be giving a GREAT gift, you will also be supporting Christian Care! This opportunity only lasts until December 20, so please act quickly!

Every month has its own theme. For example, November features the Harvest Bouquet, February's bouquet is Love Bunch and July offers the Sizzling Summer Bouquet. Each bouquet is sure to bring color, fragrance and beauty to even the darkest day. Becoming a part of this select group allows you access to other great values at Colman. For example, when you buy a half dozen roses, you will receive the second half dozen FREE! You can also opt to trade your monthly bouquet for $10 off a purchase of $35 or more. Do this twice and you've made your original investment back.

For more details, please contact Lindsey at (309)786-5734. Colman Florist and Greenhouses is located at 2754 12th Street, Rock Island, Illinois and in the East Village in Davenport, Iowa. You can also visit them on the web at colmanflorist.com. Monthly bouquets must be redeemed at the Colman location in the state in which you reside.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at christiancareqc.org.

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Rock Island, IL, November 4 - Support Christian Care on November 8 as you enjoy watching the Quad City Mallards Hockey Team take on the Denver Cutthroats. Fans will receive a discounted ticket price when they bring one or more canned food items to the box office window when they purchase tickets. For every item donated?up to a maximum of three canned food items?fans will save a dollar off the ticket price. A representative will be on hand during the game to answer questions about the services Christian Care provides at both their Domestic Violence Shelter and their Rescue Mission. Fans may also make cash donations to Christian Care on game night. For more information call Christian Care at 309-786-5734.

Christian Care transforms the lives of a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. Christian Care serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill, providing their residents with an opportunity to start new, more productive lives.

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Rock Island, IL, November 1st - How would you feel if the donation you made to support a local charitable organization was automatically doubled, without you adding another penny? Denver Mattress Company is partnering with Christian Care to help your financial gift go even further. During the month of November only, the Denver Mattress Company will match your donation to Christian Care, dollar for dollar. With your support, Christian Care can earn up to $2,500!

To make a donation:

  • Go to Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org.

  • Click on the Denver Mattress Company Campaign link, and double your gift!

With a tap of the finger, you can help make a difference by supporting the services that Christian Care offers to so many in the Quad City area.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309-786-5734 for more information.

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Rock Island, IL, October 19 -Last year, Christian Care served almost 60,000 meals to hungry residents of the Quad Cities community. This Saturday, October 19, Christian Care will host a canned food drive from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To participate, bring canned food items to the Rescue Mission, located at 2209 3rd Avenue in Rock Island. Help make a difference by feeding the needy in the QCA. For more information, call 309-786-5734.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their vision is to transform the lives of those they serve by providing their residents with an opportunity to start a new, more productive life.

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Rock Island, IL-Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in our community.  It is a silent predator that affects one out of every four women and, typically, impacts several generations of family members.  In recognition of national domestic violence awareness this month, Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue are teaming up to provide an exclusive offer that is available only in October but will help raise awareness all year long.  Diamonds on the Avenue designed a one-of-a-kind necklace just for this occasion: a purple pendant that changes color in the sun and houses a floating diamond with a very special meaning.

Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness.  The floating diamond signifies the domestic violence survivor who is a diamond in the rough, yet still shining through her pain.  The necklace design pays homage to all who are currently suffering from the effects of domestic violence, those who survived and are thriving, and those who, sadly, did not survive.  This necklace is sure to be a conversation started and, when people ask about it, both Diamonds on the Avenue and Christian Care hope that the story behind the necklace's design will raise awareness for a lifetime. 

Take a stand against domestic violence: join Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue by purchasing a pendant from this special collection.  Wear your purple pendant and floating diamond close to your heart.  Pendants start at $49.00.  Diamonds on the Avenue will donate $10 from every purchase of these rare pendants to Christian Care's domestic violence shelter.  

Every dollar donated makes a difference.  98% of the women who complete Christian Care's holistic programs go on to live independent lives, free of their abusers.  Purchase your pendant now at Diamonds on the Avenue located at 3320 East Kimberly Road in Davenport, right down the road from Red Lobster.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their vision is to transform the lives of those they serve by providing their residents with an opportunity to start a new, more
productive life. For more information contact Lindsey at 309-786-5734 or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org

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