27 Dec 2011

Procrastinators rejoice!

By Gail McGovern

Friend,

Still finishing your holiday shopping? Just remembered someone you left off your list? There's still time to celebrate that special person with a meaningful gift from our 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog.

Send a gift from our Holiday Giving Catalog today - it's quick and easy. You can cross that name off your list, with the added comfort of knowing your gift means something, and is making a caring difference in the life of another person in need. Your purchase can show friends, colleagues, clients, and family that you truly appreciate the difference they've made in your life.

With every purchase, you can send an e-card to announce your special gift!

Visit www.redcross.org/gifts and give something that means something today.

Have a wonderful holiday,

Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross
27 Dec 2011

VON MAUR Sponsors First-Ever Red Kettle Match Day On December 23 and December 24

By Holly Nomura
Quad Cities, USA: VON MAUR, the locally owned fashion department store, will sponsor their first-ever Red Kettle Match Day for The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities.

On December 23rd and 24th, VON MAUR will make a dollar-for-dollar match to Quad Cities red kettles at Northpark and Southpark Malls. The four locations include the 4-foot tall red kettles inside the malls and the food court kettles.

During these difficult economic times, donations are needed now more than ever as the need for the services of The Salvation Army continues to rise. The Salvation Army asks the community to raise awareness for this first-ever challenge by VON MAUR in order to maximize gifts made to The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities.

Jim von Maur states, "We have seen the good work of The Salvation Army first-hand and are proud to support their fine organization and all they do for the community."

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator is "so pleased to have our first annual match from a notable business in our community. We hope other businesses will contact us to do the same. We can be reached at 563-271-7933."

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27 Dec 2011

The Salvation Army Is $200,000 Short of Red Kettle Campaign Goal

By Holly Nomura

Quad Cities, USA: With red kettles wrapping up on Christmas Eve, the Red Kettle Campaign is still $200,000 away from making its 2011 fund raising goal.

Major Gary Felton states, "With a significant portion of our annual fundraising revenue collected during the Christmas season, the donations collected throughout the Red Kettle Campaign set the tone for the upcoming year and allow us to serve thousands of individuals with critical programs and services. We have raised a significant amount so far, but there is still a long way to go."

The 2011 Red Kettle Campaign goal is $700,000. As of December 20th, the donation total is $500,000. The Salvation Army is compelled to make another plea to the community.

There are many ways to share your blessings with others:

An online gift to: www.usc.salvationarmy.org/quadcities

Call to 1-800-SAL-ARMY for a credit card donation.

23 Dec 2011

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Announces the Christmas Assistance Distribution

By Holly Nomura
Quad Cities, USA: The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Christmas Assistance Program - offering a Christmas food box and toys to clients who signed up in November -- is The Salvation Army's largest outreach event each year.

The Angel Tree collection is finished, and the toys will now make up the toy shop in which parents can choose toys for their children. We expect that over 2,000 children to have a brighter Christmas because of this program.

The Food Boxes were packed on Friday night - 2,300 of them - and families and individuals comprised of 5,524 people will have food in their cupboards, and a nice Christmas meal on their table.

Generous Quad Cities residents, businesses and civic groups make this program possible with their donations.

For 2011, the Food Box Distribution and Toy Shoppe will occur by appointment only.

The press is invited for interviews and filming of this program on:

Davenport Corps, 3400 W. Central Park Drive

Tuesday, December 20 @10am - 4pm

Wednesday, December 21 @ 9am - 4pm

Heritage Temple Corps, 2200- 5th Avenue, Moline

Tuesday, December 20 @ 10am - 4pm

About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services

19 Dec 2011

Help The Salvation Army Recover from our Great Loss!

By Holly Nomura
Best bBell ringer had accident while volunteering in kitchen at Family Service Center

Quad Cities, USA: December 15, 2011 - The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign has lost its most special bell ringer due to a fall. If you have been to NorthPark Mall near Younker's Court this season, you may have met Captain Ray in her old-fashioned Salvation Army bonnet. Captain Ray is an 89-years-old retired Salvation Army officer and follows Majors Gary and Karen Felton to their appointed community each Christmas to bell ring for the entire season. She will not be able to finish 2011, though, and the donations lost will be in the thousands of dollars.

Volunteer Bell Ringers are needed to help collect donations now more than ever. The sign up is easy at www.ringbells.org. You can choose the day, time and location of your choice.

You can get involved with The Salvation Army's Christmas programs to make your own Christmas even brighter by purchasing a toy for a child at a Wal-Mart Angel Tree - the Angel Tree program has been extended to Sunday, December 18th due to a 10% increase in need over 2010.

Captain Ray's fall occurred in the kitchen while she was volunteering at the Family Service Center. After a week of rest and still no recovery, a second x-ray showed a fractured hip and hip replacement surgery was scheduled immediately. She would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery. Get-well cards can be sent to: 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803. ###

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.

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