People who have been recently laid off are able to apply for monetary help from The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army's Central Territorial Headquarters in Chicago is distributing $3.6 million to Salvation Army units in 11 states with the stipulation that each location match half of the requested amount with community donations. Funds were awarded to areas of greatest need. In Illinois, call (309)764-6996 during business hours to make an appointment to apply for assistance; in Iowa, call (563)391-5325.
Over the course of four weekends St. Ambrose University accounting majors provided free income-tax preparation to low-income Quad Citians through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program. Students logged more than 275 hours and assisted nearly 150 families. The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program provides free tax-preparation assistance to qualified low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited-English-speaking families and individuals.
The Machine Shed in Davenport will host a kids' cooking class at the restaurant on Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. Chef Bryan Tyler will lead the class, in which the parents/guardians and children will make kid-friendly recipes. Kids get to measure and mix ingredients, use kitchen gadgets, follow recipes, and learn etiquette, safety, and nutrition. The cooking class is free, but each child must be accompanied by an adult. This class will be offered the last Wednesday of each month. For more information or to sign up, call (563)391-2427.
Kalona Days is seeking food-booth vendors to fill out the June 19 and 20 event. The fee is $50, which covers both days. This year Kalona Days is the official 130th birthday celebration for this historic town. Live music, street dances, children's ride and game areas, a parade, a vintage-car show, horse demonstrations, a peddle tractor pull, and a quilt-cake-making contest are scheduled. For information or vendor applications, call (319)656-3535 or e-mail info@kalonageneralstore.com.
Quad Cities Leadership Alumni United has announced the opening of the grant-application process for 2009. The organization will provide up to $1,000 in Quality of Life grants for programs or projects in Rock Island or Scott counties that support the group's mission of eliminating barriers and providing access. This year's focus will be on programs that support education or employment readiness. Proposals for the 2009 granting cycle will be accepted through June 1. Application packets may be requested by emailing qcleadership@gmail.com. Applicants must have 501(c)3 or not-for-profit status.
Community Care has announced "Day-Hab Activities," a service program for individuals with disabilities. An open house is planned for Tuesday, April 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 108 East Industrial Street in DeWitt. The structured setting will provide a relaxed environment for individuals who would like to acquire, retain, or improve their leisure and life skills such as cooking, cleaning, socialization, and community safety. For more information, contact Marcia at (563)659-4100 or marciae@communitycareinc.net.
Volunteers for Symphony has announced its second-annual Derby Day -- an evening of fun, food, and horse racing benefiting youth music education in the Quad Cities -- on Saturday, May 2, at 4 p.m. Derby Day is held the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club and includes horse races, authentic Derby cuisine, a Kentucky Bourbon tasting, a live auction, raffles, and live music. All attending will take home a commemorative mint julep glass created for this year's event. Derby attire is optional, and the afternoon's festivities include a hat contest. Derby Day tickets cost $75, and reservations can be made by calling (563)322-7276 or visiting QCSymphony.com.
Test your smarts on Friday, April 24, at Putnam Trivia Night. Teams of eight will compete to win cash prizes. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the trivia begins at 7. All proceeds benefit the museum's educational programming. Teams of eight are encouraged, but individuals and smaller groups may sign up and will be placed on a team. The cost is $10 per person, with cash prizes for the top three teams. Teams are welcome to bring their own snacks, and a cash bar will be available. Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will round out the night. To make a reservation, call (563)324-1054 extension 258 or e-mail thompson@putnam.org.
