Christian Care Generates Community Action Partnerships

Rock Island, IL November 19, 2013 - Together we can make a difference, and that is exactly what is happening at Christian Care Rescue Mission with the implementation of a new program?A Holistic Approach to Transformation Change. To meet the needs of the program and ensure post program success, community partnerships are being developed to create win-win outcomes for everyone involved. Christian Care and Papa's Helping Veterans, a nonprofit providing furniture for homeless veterans, are working together to bring hope to those who have lost just that.

The partnership that Christian Care and Papa's have formed is beneficial for both non-profits. Papa's has furnished the program meeting room at Christian Care and, in turn, Christian Care is providing him with unemployed Resident volunteer movers to help his non-profit, generating a robust community action partnership. As fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, they have come together to help each other out, while benefitting from each other's services. The need for community engagement and contributions is imperative for both organizations to move to the next level of service. In order to continue offering the services that they do; food, shelter, clothing and furniture for the homeless, financial support must be procured for both non-profits.

In keeping with Christian Care's holistic approach to change, this four month program focuses on building and internalizing new habits for the body, mind, and spirit of each Participant. They engage in daily prayer, exercise, book and film studies, individual life coaching sessions, an arts experience, such as the Quad City Symphony, and in return volunteer their time to meet community needs. High expectations have been set for major life change. While the program began six weeks ago and runs through February 1 the need for athletic gear, program materials, and technology is fact emerging.

Papa's Helping Veterans is a local non-profit providing furniture to Veterans in need. As formerly homeless Veterans transition into permanent housing, Papa's furnishes their new living quarters. Thanks to community donations, they are able to offer services to the hundreds of homeless Veterans in the Quad Cities. As their business continues to grow so do the needs to fund it; they are in need of warehouse space, volunteer movers and financial help to cover gas and overhead expenses.

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Rock Island, IL - The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating, finding, and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, recently awarded Christian Care a grant to help continue its Children's Advocacy Program.

"Children who arrive with their mothers at our domestic violence shelter have been traumatized by what they have seen and experienced," said Dr. Elaine Winter, Christian Care's chief executive officer. "This grant through RMHC-EIWI will allow Christian Care to continue to provide the services that help our children begin to heal and overcome the childhood scars that come with physical, emotional, and mental abuse, and help them feel safe and secure again."

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. It serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.

Monticello, IA–The silver anniversary has arrived as 2013 marks the 25th year since Leigh Clark entrusted Camp Courageous with his secret fruitcake recipe. Over 75 locations sell these delicious fruitcakes. Posters are displayed in the windows of participating businesses or one can go online to get the latest location updates at www.campcourageous.org.

These scrumptious one-pound cakes sell for $10.00. They do not contain citron or alcohol and make wonderful holiday gifts. They need to be stored, sliced and served frozen. Fruitcakes are sold at various outlets from November through December. The cakes are also available at Camp Courageous or can be ordered online at the camp website (www.campcourageous.org). Camp will ship anywhere in the United States.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The camp was built and continues to run on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers. The camp will serve over 6,500 individuals with special needs this year.

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Effort part of a Hy-Vee initiative to donate 10,000 turkeys in 10 cities over 10 days

BETTENDORF, IA - Today, Churches United of the Quad City Area is excited to announce that it has received a donation of 1,000 frozen turkeys?an excellent source of high quality protein just in time for Thanksgiving. The donation was made possible by Hy-Vee, a Midwestern grocery store chain operating in eight states, as part of a company-wide initiative to combat hunger.

"We are thrilled to have been able to partner with Hy-Vee to accept and deliver these turkeys to those in need in our local community," said Anne Wachal, Acting Executive Director "The donation of these turkeys comes at a time that is traditionally high need for our pantries. This donation helps to ensure that we continue to meet our growing demand and provide hope to families and individuals."

Hy-Vee is embarking on a 10 day, 10 city, 10,000 turkey effort in which the company will donate frozen turkeys to local food banks, missions and shelters to fight food insecurity, and ensure access to safe, quality and nutritious food. Turkeys will be delivered throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kansas and Missouri.

"As a grocery store and member of this community, Hy-Vee is committed to fighting food insecurity," said Randy Edeker, CEO of Hy-Vee. "In order to accomplish this goal, we will continue to look for ways in which we can make a difference by assisting local hunger relief organizations to help families in need within our communities. We have the responsibility to take care of each other, and we recognize that through these efforts."

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Churches United of the Quad City Area is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has a hunger ministry that contains 25 local food pantries, three hot meal sites and serves over 120,000 meals annually to individuals and families in the Greater Quad City area. To learn more about Churches United please visit our website at www.cuqca.org. CUQCA is Rooted in Faith, Focused on People, Dedicated to Service

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 234 retail stores in eight Midwestern states. For 2013 the company recorded sales of $8 billion, ranking it among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States. To learn more, visit the company's website at www.hy-vee.com.

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Announces their 2013 Red Kettle Campaign Kick-Off Event and YOU ARE INVITED:

2013 Red Kettle Campaign Kick-Off

Friday, November 15, 2013, 6:30pm

NorthPark Mall: JCPenney/Orange Julius Corner near Armed Services Recruitment Office Entrance

o Red Kettle Campaign Goal will be revealed by Mayors Dennis Pauley and Scott Raes.

o Bee Sharp, the St. Ambrose Male Vocalists, will perform a cappella Christmas music.

o Salvation Army Advisory Board Vice Chair John McBride and Quad Cities Coordinator Major Gary Felton to host.

This campaign is a community-wide effort and The Salvation Army's most important fund raiser of the year. 60% of the annual budget is raised during these six weeks.

To volunteer: please sign up at www.ringbells.org

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KENNEBUNK, Maine, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspiration across the nation! From Washington to West Virginia, 15 nonprofit organizations with a passion for human, healthy and environmental goodness are winners in the fifth annual Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good program.  With more than 58,000 votes cast online, the 15 nonprofits with the most votes will share $150,000 in funding to put towards preserving land, promoting community gardens, empowering children, helping people with disabilities and looking out for seniors. To date, the 50 States for Good community giving program has benefited 5.5 million people and dozens of communities.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b)

Each 50 States for Good winner will receive $10,000 to support their community project. The dedicated group of winning nonprofits follows, in alphabetical order, along with details on how they'll put the funding to use.

  • Cape Ann Farmers Market Backyard Growers Program (Gloucester, MA) - Backyard Growers will enhance and expand the school garden program, which provides elementary school students with opportunities to grow, harvest and eat fresh vegetables.
  • Connecticut Radio Information System (Windsor, CT) - Ten schools will receive a one-year subscription of CRISKids™ for Schools, audio recordings of print materials for children who are blind or print-challenged, including those with learning, physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.
  • Gilda's Club Quad Cities (Davenport, IA) - A new program called G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources Organically Within) will plant an organic community garden and provide workshops on sustainability for members who have all been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
  • Kompost Kids (Milwaukee, WI) - A large scale food waste collection and processing pilot will be executed in the Milwaukee area in order to divert from the landfill and create compost to sustain urban agriculture projects.
  • Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation (Saco, ME) - The Foundation's efforts to advance brain safety and awareness in Maine will be expanded and serve as a model program for other states.
  • MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS (Plano, TX) - 5,000 existing and 1,000 new program participants will be empowered to make a social impact on their communities, enacting service-oriented "top secret missions" to change the world and impact thousands in need.
  • Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway, WV) - The Mobile Pantry Program will provide healthy, nutritious foods to people in need in rural or underserved areas of West Virginia.
  • Neighbor Ride (Columbia, MD) - The expansion of Neighbor Ride's volunteer program will aid in continuing to serve the growing number of seniors who rely on the Neighbor Ride transportation service to remain healthy, independent and connected to the community.
  • One Simple Wish (Trenton, NJ) - More than 100 simple, special wishes will be granted to children in foster care.
  • Operation BBQ Relief (Pleasant Hill, MO) - Funding will purchase the perishable supplies necessary to feed approximately 10,000 meals during the organization's next disaster deployment.
  • Play-Place for Autistic Children (Sterling Heights, MI) - Building a new playscape will help to advance the coordination, climbing, balance and motor-planning skills of children affected by autism.
  • Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (Mount Vernon, WA) - InFARMation radio programs will provide information to area highway travelers about seasonal happenings in Skagit agriculture and help grow community support for the organization's mission.
  • The Poverello Center (Missoula, MT) - Completing the construction of a new emergency housing facility will aid in feeding and sheltering thousands of area neighbors living in poverty each year.
  • Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (Warren, OH) - Up to 100 free-standing flower boxes, soil and plants will be made available to residents of the Garden District to help the neighborhood earn its name.
  • Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park (Gansevoort, NY) - Funding will support the start of the organization's accessible trail project.

"The ingenuity of this year's winners to help their neighbors and the environment is incredibly inspiring," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "These community projects are an important reminder that we can accomplish so much more when we work together. Community support, passionate volunteers and creative thinking can bring lasting goodness to our communities in a way that matters every day."

During the public vote, volunteer and nonprofit nominators were showcased as part of an interactive voting hub that highlighted inspiring stories across the country. From a pool of more than 1,000 nominations, 51 finalists were chosen by a judging panel of passionate leaders in the nonprofit community including Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care, nonprofit strategist and Huffington Post columnist Lisa M. Dietlin, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, and star of "The Vampire Diaries" and nonprofit founder Ian Somerhalder.

Since it was founded in 1970, Tom's of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. To learn more about this year's winners, visit www.50StatesforGood.com.

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine

November 11, 2013

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES- The 2013 KJ's Mustache Challenge is a local event where participants toss out their razors for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas all the while collecting donations to benefit the Quad Cities Child Abuse Council.

The 2013 Mustache Challenge committee is hosting two kick-off parties in an effort to gain more Challengers and promote the upcoming fun to both sides of the river. The first kick-off party is at Pints on Utica Ridge Road in Davenport on November 14th, from 5:30p to 7:30p. The second party will be held at Pub 1848 on River Drive in Moline on the official kick-off date for 'Growing Season' - November 21st, from 5:30p to 7:30p.

"We've been doing the Mustache Challenge for 8 years now, and each year our total donation has grown," says longtime Challenge committee member, Jim Veto. "It's a great opportunity for people to shave a little out of their holiday giving budget to make a donation to such a worthy, and entirely local, cause. The pub crawl was a blast last year, and we anticipate this year's being even better."

The Challenge is open to both men and women. We ask for a minimum donation of $25 to receive the commemorative t-shirt and to participate in the Mustache Bash Pub Crawl on December 21st in Downtown Moline.

Challengers are encouraged to participate in this anti-shave movement to help raise money for the Quad Cities Child Abuse 24/7 Dads program. 24/7 Dads is a parenting development and support program for fathers.  It consists of 12, two-hour weekly sessions that focus on men's attitudes toward fathering and helping men evaluate their parenting skills.  Five areas emphasized through the curriculum are:  self-awareness, caring for self, fathering skills, parenting skills and relationship skills.

This fundraiser is in memory of Mustache Challenge participant, Kyle John of Moline, who at age 27 passed away in 2008 after a courageous five year battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His close friends have continued the Mustache Challenge in celebration of his spirit and charitable heart.

For more information about KJ's 2013 Mustache Challenge and the QC Child Abuse Council visit www.kjmustachechallenge.org and www.childabuseqc.org. KJ's Mustache Challenge is also on Facebook.

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We are gearing up for the harsh Iowa winter that is about to come upon us.  If you have a heart for the homeless and can't stand the thought of them sleeping outside. we have the opportunity for you.  Every winter we open our doors to let people come in and sleep.  This ministry literally saves lives.  We are currently in need of volunteers to help with our overflow shelter.  Please join us Wednesday, November 13th at 7 p.m. at the front door of Kings Harvest located at 824 West 3rd Street, Davenport, to sign up and to receive training.  It can be helping with check in, over-nights or providing sandwiches. Please prayerfully consider volunteering with this shelter because we can not provide this service without your help.  For more information call 563-570-4536.

Churches United of the Quad City Area is extremely proud and thankful to announce the award of a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 from the Riverboat Development Association, to be utilized in our hunger program.

Churches United has been serving our community for the past 52 years. Our Hunger Ministry oversees 25 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites to serve those in need. In 2012, our food pantries had 30,000 visits and helped
103,000 individuals.

We thank the Riverboat Development Association for its support in this endeavor.

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Saturday November 16, 2013 -Coral Ridge Mall Coralville IA

CORALVILLE, IOWA. The Johnson County Police and Fire Departments are joining forces to benefit Camp Courageous this Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 PM at the Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, Iowa.  This is Guns and Hoses Second Annual Hockey Benefit.  The event will includes the hockey game, food, silent auction, and several surprises.  Dropping the puck to start the game will be camper Kelsey Tweden.

This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.  After the game, the game worn jerseys will be auctioned off and there will be a time to skate with the players.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility located near Monticello, IA.  The camp will serve over 6,500 campers with special needs this year.  It is done on donations, with no government tax dollars, no one paid to raise money for the camp, nor does it have formal sponsorship..so all donations directly benefit the camp and campers served.
To donate auction items for the event one can contact:  Pete Ungaro at ungaro.pete@gmail.com or Charlie Becker at cbecker@campcourageous.org
For more information on buying Guns and Hoses Apparel one can contact: jcgunsandhoses@gmail.com
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