MILAN, IL - The University of Illinois Extension Office Teens from the 4-H Companion Animals Club will hold a Dog Wash/Car Wash on Saturday, August 29th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to benefit the Quad City Animal Welfare Center. The Dog Wash/Car Wash wil be held in the University of Illinois Extension Office parking lot at 321 West 2nd Avenue in Milan. For a suggested donation of $5.00, the 4-H Companion Animal Club teen will wash your car and pamper your pooch. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.

The Quad City Animal Welfare Center is the only full service no-kill animal shelter located in the Quad Cities. Our mission is a shelter for homeless animals, to support a spay and neuter program and to provide humane education. QCAWC Adoption Center is open Monday-Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on Wednesday until 6:00 p.m. Our Low Cost High Quality Wellness Clinic is open every Wednesday and Friday at 1:00 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Low Cost High Quality spaying and neutering is offered by calling 309-787-6830 for an appointment. QCAWC is located at 724 West 2nd Avenue in Milan.

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Davenport, IA - August 7, 2009 - Helping men, women and children through rough times has been part of the Scott County Family Y's mission since its beginning in October of 1858.  From World War I to the Great Depression through the ups and downs of the Quad City area's economy, the Scott County Family Y has remained true to its belief - no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

That is more than a saying at the Scott County Family Y especially when it comes to providing a safe and positive environment to area children.  The Scott County Family Y is the largest child care provider in the Iowa Quad Cities.  Serving more than 450 children a week and connecting more than 1,300 family members, the Child Care and Family Services Division is committed to all those it touches.

One of the ways the Scott County Family Y Child Care and Family Services is able to make this connection is through its participation in the United States Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).  CACFP helps the Y insure that nutritious meals are provided, at no separate charge to children enrolled in the following programs: YMCA/Palmer Learning Center, Davenport Family YMCA's Learning Center, YMCA Kid's Club Before and After-School programs at Riverdale Heights Elementary School in Bettendorf and at the Davenport Family YMCA. Meals are provided without regards to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division receives partial reimbursement based upon the income information provided by the children's parent or legal guardian.  Eligibility guidelines for reduced price meals are as follows:

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Reduced Price Meals

Effective 7-1-2009 to 6-30-2010

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services division is committed to maintaining federal and state standards, which meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of area children.  All child care programs are licensed by the State of Iowa and staff members are trained to meet initiatives above and beyond licensing requirements.

In addition to following these income eligibility guidelines, the Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center has earned a level 4 rating from the Iowa Department of Human Services - one of the highest quality assurance ratings the state offers.

The Iowa Quality Rating System for Child Care Providers (QRS) is a voluntary program that rates child care providers on quality indicators such as professional development; health and safety; environment; family and community partnerships; and leadership and administration.  Established in 2005 by the state legislature, QRS is designed to make providers aware of the many paths and steps they can take to improve the quality of their care.  The system also offers parents another resource in evaluating and selecting a child care provider.

The Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center is one of only six licensed child care centers in Scott County to receive this rating, showing that the YMCA goes above and beyond state licensing standards.  "We believe that quality is an ongoing process and we continually strive towards maintaining and improving the quality of care we provide, said Deb Gustafson, Executive Director, YMCA Child Care & Family Services.  "This rating shows along with our participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program helps show that we arecommitted to nurturing the whole child, and his or her family, all while making sure they have a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn in."

For more information about the programs and services offered through the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division, call (563) 323-5725 or visit the Scott County Family Y website, www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org.

Moline, IL -New Kingdom Trailriders will kick off a summer fundraising Sell-abration event August 3 -17, 2009.  This fundraiser will consist of selling food and gift items through riders and families as well as an online website in conjunction with Century Resources, a well-know student fundraising company.

"Horses are the backbone of our therapy program," says Barbara Clauson, Executive Director.  "It takes 8-10 horses of various size and temperament to complete the herd.  Feeding and caring for these important players on our team is costly, especially as we deal with health issues related to old age," she added.  "We want to make sure that our horses have the best care as they take such good care of our riders.  This fundraiser will help with the care and feed of the herd over the winter."

To make a purchase through this fundraising event, visit www.centuryresources.com, click on the SHOP NOW button, enter 35201 (NKT's I.D.) and start shopping.  "You can pay for your order and it will be shipped directly to you.  It is that easy, there are some great gift ideas for early Christmas shopping," says Christina Chom, Director of Development.

New Kingdom Trailriders is celebrating its 25^th year of offering therapeutic horseback riding to specially challenged individuals in the Quad Cities and its surrounding communities.  The organization is operated mainly by volunteers and holds riding sessions from April - October.   Through riding sessions, riders experience physical, mental and social development.  With the help of some 150+ volunteers each year, the non-profit organization is able to keep its operational costs down.  NKT is supported primarily through donations and local grants, along with fundraisers like an Annual Banquet and Summer Sell-abration.  You can make a donation online at www.NKTriders.org and click on "Just Give".

For additional information on NKT, contact Barb Clauson or email info@nktriders.org. Maps/directions to Schone's Friendship Farm, home of New Kingdom Trailriders riding sessions, are available on their website at www.nktriders.org.

ABOUT New Kingdom Trailriders - A NARHA accredited 501c3 organization offering therapeutic horseback riding to specially challenged individuals of all ages in and around the Quad Cities. The program is open to any person with a disabling condition such as Down's syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, autism, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities and other, whose doctor has determined horseback riding would be beneficial therapy.

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The 20th annual benefit sale for Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. will be held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in the 4H/Keppy Building from August 18 through August 21.  Opening event is Tuesday, August 18 at 6 pm - admission is $5.00.  Sale continues August 19 and 20 from 8 am until 5 pm and on August 21 from 8 am until Noon.  Tickets for a CASH RAFFLE will be available during the sale and are $5.00 each.  There are four prizes - one for $500.00 and three for $100.00.  The drawing will take place on Friday, August 21 at Noon.  One does not need to be present to win.

Donations of clean, gently used household items including furniture and appliances will be accepted.  Please, NO CLOTHING.

Drop off days and times at 1228 East 12th Street, Davenport:  before August 12th from 9 am until 3 pm; on Saturday, August 8 from 10 am until 2 pm; at the Fairgrounds on Monday, August 17 from 9 am until 4 pm, furniture and appliances only.

Proceeds from the Sale and Raffle are used directly to benefit our single parent families who have experienced homelessness.

For more information regarding the Sale, please call 563-326-1330.