19 Dec 2011

Winnie's Place Gift Drive at the Mallards Game AND Winnie's Wishes Needs

By Jo Cohrs

Have fun with family or friends at this game Friday, December 23rd (Mallards vs Wichita) AND help out the women of Winnie's Place shelter.    The children are adopted easily but the shelter staff likes to have gifts for the mom's too for Christmas morning.   CAN YOU HELP?   Donations can be dropped off at the Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop & More at 902 E. River Drive in Davenport and receive your $5 off voucher with gift donation OR the Mallards office at the iWireless Center.    (SHOP needs posted below . . . . )

 Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop could really use some donations of children's clothing - toddler to pre-teen AND some furniture items (no beds or TV's).  The shop is open Tuesday - Friday 10 to 4 pm and Saturday's 9-noon.

19 Dec 2011

A Timely Tax Saving Message for Friends of GAHC

By German American Heritage Center
The Endow Iowa tax credit still has around $2 million available on a first-come, first-served basis.  This fund is designed for individuals, businesses and corporations to make charitable contributions to organizations such as the German American Heritage Center; it allows Iowa communities to address their most pressing needs while acknowledging the generosity of the donors through a 25% state tax credit.  For example, a $1,000 donation produces a tax credit of $250 which may be deducted off the total Iowa tax bill for 2011.  The donations must be processed by the Community Foundaton of the Great River Bend, who handles the transactions on GAHC's behalf.

 

This option is also possible for individuals who wish to implement a Chritable IRA Rollover.  This permits a transfer of up to $100,000 directly from an IRA to a charity and avoid reporting it as income.  The Charitable IRA Rollover is eligible for the 25% Endow Iowa tax credit, but the transfer must go directly to our partner in this endeaver, the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, which is the designated receiver of such funds toward GAHC's benefit.  It can go into an existing fund (the GAHC endowment, for example) or the donor may create a new fund.  Under current law this option expires at the end of the year, so you must act now to set things in motion.

 

Please contact the following individuals if you would like assistance with these procedures or if you require additional information:

 

Stan Reeg, GAHC endowment chair:  563-386-1509
Susan Skora or Hap Volz, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend:  563-326-2840
19 Dec 2011

Soldiers Ride Steel Horses for Less Fortunate Veterans

By readMedia

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers Use Love for Motorcycles to Help Fellow Veterans

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/12/2011)(readMedia)-- For years motorcycle groups have ruled the road. Black leather, dark shades, tattoos, and blaring exhausts have left an impression on passersbys and it has not always been a favorable one. Some motorcycle groups have become known for danger and lawlessness. The Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club is different and challenges the negative stereotypes that have been associated with motorcycle groups.

"We don't want to give off the impression that we are some outlaw motorcycle club or anything like that," said Sgt. 1st Class David G. Keefer of Charleston, an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter for the Sullivan/Charleston area and president of the Springfield chapter of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. "We are veterans. We ride respectable and act respectable in public."

The Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club is an organization made up of combat veterans supporting veterans. The three Illinois chapters located in Chicago, Springfield and Galesburg is a part of a national organization with its headquarters based in Florida.

"It's more about helping your local community and local veterans than it is just being motorcycle riders," said Chief Warrant Officer (2) Christopher M. Werth of Springfield, with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago and vice president of the Springfield chapter.

Keefer and Werth went through a natural progression in becoming a part of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. They both enjoyed riding motorcycles, appreciated the camaraderie found with brothers in arms, and most importantly, thought it was important to help other veterans in need.

"It's almost a fraternity where you get to be around guys with the same likes and interests that you have," said Keefer. "These warriors have done a lot of the same things that you have. It's really special to be able to share the road with guys like that and to share your experience. It's a good outlet and it does become a brotherhood."

There is a natural bond found within the organization because each man knows the importance of defending freedom and have proven their convictions while in combat.

"When you meet a World War II or Vietnam veteran, you know that they have seen a lot when they were putting their life on the line," said Werth. "You can relate to them because even though we weren't a part of the same wars, there is a bond since we have all served in combat."

While the relationships created an important aspect to the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club, the veterans supported by their efforts are the most important part and the reason they ride. The funds they raised have gone to numerous charities including creating memorial college scholarships, providing food for struggling veterans and supporting injured veterans.

The group has been involved with numerous events recently including Toys for Tots and gathering a truck load of hygiene and personal items for the Danville Veterans Affairs Hospital. They started the Sgt. Gerrick Smith college fund and have raised over one thousand dollars in honor of Smith, an Illinois Army National Guard Soldier from Sullivan killed in Afghanistan in July 2009.

"We have also assisted in two benefits for two of our own members hurt in accidents and we are adding three more Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran relief rides next year," Keefer said. "We are also assisting as escorts for returning units and fallen brothers and sisters in arms."

The club is also planning to help with honor flights to Washington D.C.

"You have to want to give to the ones that are less fortunate," said Werth. "You have to want to give back to your local community and make your living area and your city better. You have to have it in your own heart to determine if this is something you want to do."

There are 46 members between the three chapters in Illinois and they are always looking to increase their membership and, as a result, increase their impact.

"My goal is that we continue to grow and the public comes to see us for what we really are; veterans riding for veterans," said Keefer.

For more information on the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club visit www.warriorbrotherhood.com.

Photo: Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer/ Servicemembers from all branches who served during different wars are members of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club. Illinois Army National Guard members pictured include (far left second row) Spc. Dalton Sargent of Sullivan, (right of the table) Sgt. 1st Class David Keefer of Charleston, Sgt. Robert Czerniak of Schaumburg and Chief Warrant Officer (2) Christopher Werth of Springfield (back row) Sgt. 1st Class Randy Clapham of Mattoon. The servicemembers share a love for motorcycles and embrace helping fellow veterans.

Story by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

19 Dec 2011

Royal Neighbors of America to present $7,500 to Aledo women to 'button up' their dream

By Rick Martin
(ROCK ISLAND, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, will surprise three Aledo women on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with a $7,500 cash gift through the organization's Nation of NeighborsSM Program.

Pam Myers, Pam Ricke, and Beth Whitenack each had a dream of owning her own retail

business. When they got together, they found the perfect outlet for their ideas---turning the Button House in Aledo into a retail incubator. What the women now call The Vintage Button offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to own their own businesses with minimal risk. Individuals with new retail shops rent space in the Vintage Button, but also receive professional staffing, product packaging, credit/debit card processing, phone, utilities, and advertising as part of their rent.

What: Surprise $7,500 check presentation to Pam Myers, Pam Ricke, and Beth Whitenack

Where: The Vintage Button, 105 N. College Ave., Aledo

When:  Wednesday, Dec. 14; 5 p.m.

Local contact: Carol Beeding (309) 738-1309

Media is invited to attend

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 2011 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 501c(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 215,000 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.

13 Dec 2011

The Salvation Army Donations Lagging Behind

By Holly Nomura

Thousands of Toys are still needed!  Red Kettle Campaign Donations are $400,000 short of goal!

Quad Cities, USA: December 9, 2011 - The Salvation Army will collect and provide over 6,000 toys to area children this Christmas. But with just six collection days to go, they are in great need of thousands more toys. Toys are especially needed for boys & girls, ages 11-12 and ages 3-7. The Salvation Army's Angel Trees are located at all four area Wal-Marts, SouthPark Mall, Younkers Court; and NorthPark Mall, JCPenney Court.

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator, exclaims "I cannot explain why the toys are coming in so slowly this year - this is a very generous and compassionate community. Please Don't Forget to think of your needy neighbors."  He adds, "The Red Kettle Campaign raises 70% of our annual budget and still has a long way to go. The monies collected provide shelter, food and other basic needs to families and individuals in crisis. We depend on the generosity of each individual in the Quad Cities to be able provide our services. We try not to think about falling short of the goal - we simply cannot fallshort this year."

You can become involved with The Salvation Army's Christmas programs to make your own Christmas even brighter - many of the volunteer opportunities, like shopping for toys from the Angel Tree, become memorable family traditions. Volunteer bell ringers are also needed - easy sign up at www.ringbells.org.

###

12 Dec 2011

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives December 16 - 31

By Marvin Whittaker

Fulfill Your New Year's Resolution to Give Blood

As 2011 draws to a close, many may reflect on the past year and the New Year's resolutions made nearly a year ago. If 'help others' was included on your list of resolutions, there is still time to help patients in need by donating blood through the American Red Cross.

With your donation this month, the gift of a blood or platelet donation can make an even greater difference. In honor of all December blood and platelet donors, a financial contribution will be made to the American Red Cross annual holiday giving program.

As the new year approaches, take the time to give blood this month and remember to include 'donate blood' on your list of resolutions for 2012. Make an appointment today to make a difference in the lives of others.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assist victims of international disasters or conflicts.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

Blood Donation Opportunities:

CARROLL COUNTY

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Big Meadows Nursing Home, 1000 Longmoor Ave, Savanna

HENRY COUNTY

12/21/2011, 10:30 am- 5:30 pm, Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St., Kewanee

12/28/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

MERCER COUNTY

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave., Aledo

KNOX COUNTY

12/17/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/20/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/27/2011, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Galesburg Blood Donation Center, 143 E Main St, Galesburg

12/29/2011, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Faith United Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Bishop, Yates City

WHITESIDE COUNTY

12/20/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

12/21/2011, 7:00 am- 1:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

12/22/2011, 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

12/27/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

12/28/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock
Falls

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

12 Dec 2011

Salvation Army Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed

By Holly Nomura
Businesses, Club, Churches are Asked to Step Up to the Plate Quad Cities, IA/IL: Hundreds more Red Kettle Campaign volunteer bell ringers are needed to help collect donations at all fifty Quad Cities Red Kettle Locations.

In order to cut costs now and in the future, The Salvation Army needs to have an "army" of volunteer bell ringers. Major Gary Felton states, "The 5-year plan is to reduce our paid bell ringers by 20% each year. Last year, 1,000 hours of bell ringing was covered by volunteers, if we can increase it another 3,000 - we could eliminate the paid bell ringers and save thousands and thousands of dollars. I've been in appointments, namely Green Bay, where volunteers do all of the bell ringing, and we need the Quad Cities can do it."

Louie Alongi of KKJW Engineering Consultants has been coordinating his company's bell ringing activities for years had this to say, "I hope more business leaders will step up to the plate to volunteer and also make a donation on behalf of their employees. Each year, while we are bell ringing, community members will tell us that more businesses and their employees should participate with the Red Kettle efforts of The Salvation Army."

Churches, Service Clubs, Businesses, and other clubs are asked to Adopt a Kettle for a day. Please go to www.ringbells.org for easy sign-up. 82 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army is used to sustain year-round programs that foster hope, and help change lives.

***
12 Dec 2011

SPREAD THE JOY: PEANUT BUTTER FOR THE FOOD PANTRIES

By KROS Radio

SPREAD THE JOY:

PEANUT BUTTER FOR THE PANTRY

DROP OFF JARS OF PEANUT BUTTER AT THESE AND OTHER LOCATIONS:

IN CLINTON, IA

KROS RADIO

BANNER HOME FURNISHINGS

DON'S JEWELRY

CLINTON PRINTING

GATEWAY TRAVEL & CRUISE

BROWNS SHOE FIT

LA FERIA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

IN CAMANCHE, IA

IMPERIAL LANES

CAMANCHE PHYSICAL THERAPY

IN FULTON

HARBORCREST HOME

LOCKHART & LAW INSURANCE

BITTERSWEET SALON / D & M EMBROIDERY

FULTON JOURNAL OFFICE

MOR-HUIZ / RIVER HUIS TRADERS

IN ALBANY, IL

FIRST TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK

JULIE'S CAF>

ALBANY VILLAGE OFFICE

ALBANY MISSISSIPPI CAF>

IN THOMSON, IL

THE STATION

DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 16

DONATED PEANUT BUTTER WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN FOOD PANTRIES IN

FULTON, THOMSON AND ALBANY, IL and CLINTON AND CAMANCHE, IA

06 Dec 2011

Illini Emergency Dept. is holding their 6th Annual Fill the Rig event this weekend!!

By Kit Miller
The Illini Emergency ambulances will be at the Wal-Mart in Silvis on Saturday, December 10th from 8:30am until 1:30pm to collect your donations to Winnie's Place Women's Shelter. They have been very faithful in collecting donations for Winnie's Place so please show up, do some shopping or donating and let them know we are thankful for their time and efforts! See you there!
06 Dec 2011

The Salvation Army Announces JCPenney Angel Giving Tree Online for 2011

By Holly Nomura
QUAD CITIES, USA: Here in the Quad Cities, and all across the country, an electronic alternative is
available for people who do most of their shopping on-line.

§  Jcpenney and The Salvation Army have joined forces again this Christmas season to spread cheer to
even more children, teens and seniors in need through the Angel Giving Tree online program.

§  From now through Dec. 13, customers will be able to visit jcp.com/angel and participate in an online
version of The Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree program, enabling customers to provide gifts to children,
teens and seniors who, due to financial hardship, may not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.

§  The online Angel Giving Tree program builds on the legacy of The Salvation Army's Angel Giving Tree
program that has been an annual Christmas tradition for more than 40 years.

§  Customers can choose to adopt an Angel in any community by searching by zip code, city and state, age
and gender. The angel adoption process takes less than 10 minutes, which is followed by a confirmation
email that includes the Angel's wish list and information on where to ship your gifts.

§  This year, supporters have the option of adopting 10 or more angels as part of a new group adoption
feature. Adopting angels as a group enables companies, churches, civic organizations or online
communities to manage the group adoption process online by using the "create a group" function on
jcp.com/angel.

§  In order to ensure delivery by Christmas, all adoptions and gift purchases made on jcp.com must be
completed before Dec. 9, otherwise you have until Dec. 13 to purchase a jcpenney gift card.

§  Angel Giving Tree gifts purchased through jcp.com can be shipped free of charge to one of 1,200
Salvation Army collection centers nationwide - putting the entire selection, shopping and delivery process
at the customer's fingertips.

§  Jcpenney is the only retailer to offer Salvation Army Angel adoptions online. In 2010, nearly 70,000 angels
were adopted online and together, jcpenney and the Army hope to far exceed that number in 2011.

§  Each year, The Salvation Army helps more than 4 million people through social service programs during
Christmas. The Angel Giving Tree program is one way a small gift can bring joy to a Salvation Army
Angel this Christmas season.

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