04 Dec 2012

Wreaths Across America Honors Local Veterans During the Holidays

By Jessica McDunn

Local Veterans Remembered During the Holidays

Wreaths Across America™ Day to honor veterans at Ames Municipal Cemetery and over 750 participating locations nationwide

 

AMES, Iowa (Dec. 4, 2012) - On Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, members of the Ames community will gather together to honor veterans during the holiday season as part of the Wreaths Across America™ (WAA) Day.

Stevens Memorial Chapel, the local Dignity Memorial® provider in Ames, has volunteered to conduct the WAA ceremony this year at the Ames Municipal Cemetery, 310 East Ninth Street, on Saturday, December 15 starting at 11 a.m. Eight ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who served, honor their sacrifices and teach younger generations about the high cost of our freedoms.

Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, POW/MIA and Revolutionary War veterans will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at more than 750 participating locations all across the country. Locally, this project has been spearheaded by Stevens Memorial Chapel Funeral Director Paul Smith, the son of a Korean War veteran and descendant of multiple Revolutionary War veterans.

In 2012, it is projected that more than 400,000 wreaths will be placed nationwide by over 150,000 volunteers as part of the WAA mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

The Wreaths Across America story began more than 20 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine, initiated a tradition of donating and placing wreaths on the headstones of our nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Recognition of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families is especially poignant during the traditional holiday season.

Worcester Wreath Company continues to be a major supporter of the project, donating over 30,000 wreaths in 2011. More than 400,000 will be sponsored by individuals, businesses and community groups nationwide. Wreaths will be placed in all 50 states from Maine to Alaska and Hawaii, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a national non-profit organization that has grown quickly to encompass over 750 participating locations and more than 150,000 volunteers around the country. The WAA's mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve including families who sacrifice and Teach our children the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day. It is our shared belief that...

"The nation which forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten." Calvin Coolidge

WAA pursues its mission with nationwide wreath-laying events amid the holiday season and year-round educational outreach inviting all Americans to appreciate our freedoms and the cost at which they are delivered.

About Stevens Memorial Chapel and the Dignity Memorial network

Stevens Memorial Chapel is a proud Dignity Memorial provider in Ames. The Dignity Memorial network of more than 1,800 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers is North America's most trusted resource for funeral and memorialization services. Dignity Memorial providers offer an unmatched combination of products and locations serving families with care, integrity, respect and service excellence. For more information, visit www.StevensMemorialChapel.com.

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04 Dec 2012

Warm Hands from Kind Hearts

By Linda Martin
Moline, IL - Members of the Moline Rotary Club donated 370 mittens, scarves and hats to help keep children in the Moline School District warm during the coming winter months. These items will be donated to ten Moline Elementary Schools for use by students who do not have warm weather attire or forget theirs at home.

"Moline Rotarians continue to give back to the community through programs such as Warm Hands from Kind Hearts," stated Randy Sovey, President of Moline Rotary. "I appreciate the generosity of Moline Rotarians to help make sure each Moline School District student can stay warm this winter".

2012 marks the 3rd Annual Warm Hands from Kind Hearts initiative within Moline Rotary. The Moline Rotary Community Needs Committee continuously identifies additional opportunities to impact the citizens within the city of Moline and the Rock Island County area. "Moline Rotary and its 130 members will mark its 100th anniversary of service to the community in 2014," said Sovey. The club supports numerous service projects in the Quad Cities and through Rotary International."

Moline Rotarians will deliver the collected items to the Moline Schools the week of December 3. The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

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03 Dec 2012

CAMP COURAGEOUS HOST 30TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTIES

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA - Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities will be hosting their 30th annual Holiday Parties for school age children on Wednesday December 5 & Thursday December 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Special education classes are invited to attend this free event and enjoy swimming, the climbing wall, crafts, parachute games, a movie, the camp animals or miniature golf.

Refreshments are provided and Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to attend. Groups are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy after the party.

The annual adult party is scheduled for Thursday, December 6 from 1:30 -3:00 PM. Guests will enjoy refreshments, entertainment and a gift from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

If you are interested in donating wrapped gifts, especially for adults please contact camp.

For more information contact Jeanne Muellerleile by e-mail at jeanne@campcourageous.org
or call (319) 465-5916 ext. 2300. You can also visit www.campcourageous.org for more details.
03 Dec 2012

Royal Neighbors to name $3,500 surprise Nation of NeighborsSM recipient during special meeting in Rock Falls

By Lynnette Meincke

(Rock Island, IL)– Members of Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 30, Sterling, IL, will make a surprise $3,500 check presentation to Carol Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. The funds from Royal Neighbors' Nation of NeighborsSM Program will help Carol enhance the YWCA's services by creating a Fearless Future Micro-Loan Fund. The program will provide loans to women served by the Y so they can meet the costs of GED fees, job uniforms, computer and career training, etc.

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Women in the program will work with the Y staff to develop a repayment schedule to fit their needs. Any repayments will go directly back into the Fund to help other women develop a more positive future for themselves.

In addition to providing leadership at the YWCA, Carol touches the lives of her neighbors by serving as chair of the Rock Falls Fire and Police Commission, secretary and personnel chair of the Whiteside County Board of Health, and as a member of the Executive Committee for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Advisory Council for the Whiteside County Community Health Center.

What: Surprise $3,500 check presentation

Where: Candlelight Inn, 2200 1st Ave., Rock Falls

When: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Local contacts: John Espinoza (815) 625-7237 or Darcy Smith (309) 236-3034

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2012 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

END

30 Nov 2012

Royal Neighbors of America to present $3,500 to Rock Island resident to help her empower women and children through the arts

By Rita Toalson
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(Rock Island, IL)– Kristina Brown founded the non-profit organization, Integrity Arts & Culture Association (IACA), in 2002, because she realized the power and potential the arts provide for positive change. She will receive a check for $3,500 from Royal Neighbors of America's Nation of NeighborsSM Program to help her continue to provide forums for artists of all disciplines, cultures, ages, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as well as earn an income. Her current goals include producing high quality art programs with an emphasis on positive morals and values; provide arts education to underserved children, and equip young people with the knowledge and skills to become successful, upstanding individuals.

What: $3,500 check presentation to Kristina Brown

Where: Davenport Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4444 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport

When: Friday, Nov. 30; 7:15 p.m.

Local contact: Dorian Byrd, (563) 326-3352 or Darcy Smith, (309) 236-3034

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2012 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

 

END


29 Nov 2012

KING'S HARVEST NEEDS WRAPPED CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE POOR AND HOMELESS CHILDREN IN THE QUAD CITIES.

By Rick Martin
King's Harvest wants the poor and homeless children to have a joyful Christmas. The organization is having a Kid's Christmas Party on December 15th at King's Harvest located at 824 W. 3rd Street in Downtown Davenport. The event will be for approximately 150 poor and homeless children. King's Harvest needs donated wrapped Christmas gifts for this event.

King's Harvest needs donated toys for kids ages 0-17 years. The toys need to be gift wrapped and marked boy or girl on the outside and the age range. Gifts need to be dropped off no later than December 12th. Drop off times are Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and Saturdays between 7:00 am and 11:00 am. Please go to the back door and ring the buzzer.

For pet lovers, the organization also needs canned cat food and Tidy cat clumping cat liter.

King's Harvest is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that serves the poor and homeless in the Quad Cities and is located in Downtown Davenport. They offer the following services to the less fortunate: hot meals, shelters, groceries, pet assistance, and various other emergency needs.

If you would like more information about this topic please call Terri Gleize of King's Harvest Ministries at 563-570-4536.

# # #
27 Nov 2012

All 12 HUNGRY HOBO RED KETTLES: Easy to Find, Hard to Resist!!

By Holly Nomura

For the sixth consecutive holiday season, The Hungry Hobo restaurants in the Quad Cities will partner with The Salvation Army by collecting donations in the iconic Red Kettles throughout the Red Kettle Campagin and into January.

These smaller kettles, all donated by The Hungry Hobo, will sit on the countertops of all local Hungry Hobo restaurants collecting change and dollar bills. It is another example of a simple act that can help a person or family in crisis. "Hungry Hobo customer donations help us house and feed hundreds of people at the Family Service Center - 15 families for a month to be exact.

The Hungry Hobo employees' enthusiasm is a big part of this campaign's success," states Holly Nomura, Development Director.

When you see a counter kettle at your favorite Hungry Hobo location, please give generously and make sure to thank them for hosting the kettle. "The Hungry Hobo is honored to be able to partner with The Salvation Army to help the needy throughout the Quad-City area," said Pryce T. Boeye, President, CEO of The Hungry Hobo.

In fact, 82 cents of every dollar you put into the counter kettle sustains The Salvation Army's life-transforming programs which include shelter, food and clothing for individuals and families with no where else to turn.

Please dine at the following twelve locations where you can find Salvation Army counter kettles:

The Twelve Hungry Hobo Locations are:

  • 320 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf
  • 4810 Elmore Avenue, Davenport
  • 903 E. Kimberly Rd. (Old Town), Davenport
  • 1432 W. Locust St., Davenport
  • 1640 W. 53rd Street, Davenport
  • 1109 Canal Shore Drive, LeClaire
  • 4101 44th Avenue, Moline
  • 1635 Ave. of the Cities (Browning Field), Moline
  • 4117 Kennedy Drive (Kennedy Square), East Moline
  • 1842 18th Avenue, East Moline
  • 902 W. 4th Street, Miland
  • 2532 18th Avenue, Rock Island

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26 Nov 2012

17-THOUSAND RAISED FOR CANCER RESEARCH IN MEMORY OF PORT BYRON NATIVE

By Nancy Strub
PORT BYRON, IL - The first annual "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k" raised more than $17,000 dollars for Ewing's Sarcoma research.

A donation of $17,158.67 has been made to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative. Funds will be used to provide research grants to expert investigators who will eventually find a cure for the rare cancer.

"We are very grateful to Nick's family and friends for organizing this wonderful event," said Founders of the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative Bruce and Beverly Shriver of Ossining, N.Y.

"This will help us fund research which will lead to better treatments for this disease and to an eventual cure," they added.

Nick's mother Nancy Strub of Port Byron, Ill., said, "We've very carefully chosen the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative as the best option to earmark funds specifically for quality Ewing's research."

"Nick would have insisted on that," she said.

For Nick's wife Krissy Strub of Omaha, Neb., the first 5k was an emotional day with family and members of the community who came together to remember and celebrate her husband.

"I'm absolutely blown away by the amount of effort put in by the race committee as well as the support from the community," she said, adding she hopes this first year is a stepping stone for bigger events centered around Ewing's Sarcoma research.

The Shriver's agreed.

"We hope people came away from this event with a commitment to help us with our mission of funding research that will bring hope to families worldwide," they said.

Race Director Holly Quinn of Port Byron, Ill., said she's thrilled with this year's turnout and support.

"I think Nick would have loved the celebration," she said. "He loved to get people together for a good cause and a good party!" said Quinn of her brother-in-law.

More information about the Nick Teddy Foundation and upcoming events can be found online: http://www.NickTeddy.org.

Photos from the 5k can be viewed on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NickTeddyOrg) and on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NickTeddyOrg).

Contact: Holly Larson at 309-798-3081 / foundation@nickteddy.org

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26 Nov 2012

Flowers Bloom Until Nov. 30 - One Small Donation Returns Flowers for a Year

By Ann Ring
Rock Island, IL - Christian Care, in cooperation with Colman Florist and Greenhouses, is offering a unique gift opportunity until Friday, Nov. 30. For a one-time donation of only $20, recipients will receive a seasonal bouquet of flowers each month for a year, and half the proceeds will go toward providing shelter and services for the homeless and survivors of domestic violence in our community.

For more details, please contact Andrea at 309/786-5734 or email astclair@christiancareqc.org. Colman Florist and Greenhouses is located at 2754 12th Street, Rock Island, Ill., and in the East Village in Davenport. You can also visit them on the web at  colmanflorist.com. Monthly bouquets must be redeemed at the Colman location of the state in which you reside.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to its web site at christiancareqc.org or to Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.
26 Nov 2012

Salvation Army Angel Tree Volunteers Needed

By Holly Nomura
MACERICH MALLS ANGEL TREES VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Quad Cities, USA - Volunteers to operate the Angel Tree tables are desperately needed. Shifts are available, and sign up is easy on www.ringbells.org. The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program is once again helping area families by collecting toys for children this holiday season. This annual holiday program provides new toys for approximately 3,000 children whose families are having a
hard time adding Christmas gifts to their budget.

On Black Friday, November 25, Macerich Malls will again partner with The Salvation Army to collect new, unwrapped toys inside the malls at the "Angel Trees." Hours will be 10am - 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 12pm - 5pm on Sunday.

Paper angel tags listing the age, gender and toy ideas are available at these locations: Younkers Court in SouthPark Mall, Moline, and JCPenney Court in NorthPark Mall, Davenport.

Holly Nomura, Development Director for the Quad Cities, states, "The Salvation Army offers so many ways to feel connected during the holiday season, this may be the right opportunity for people who would rather be indoors."

More about the QUAD CITIES Angel Trees

• Over 3,000 children will be served again this year because of our community's generosity.

• Gifts for 11-and 12-year-olds are especially needed.

• When a child of poverty receives a toy Christmas morning, the parents regain hope and the child has a happy memory to build on.

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