Monday, January 21, 2013
When tragedy hits, people want to help. But often, what arrives at the scene gets in the way because there's too much or it's not needed. Find out better ways to get involved in times of trouble.
Tragedies that break the heart often also come with a desire to help. Superstorm Sandy. The Newtown shooting. But what help to offer? Especially, when you’re far away. Stories of families that lost everything in the storm led to thousands of people sending what they thought was needed to the East Coast. But at some point, donation centers became overwhelmed with the amount sent. Nashua, N.H., firefighters held a clothing drive after Sandy hit. Within two weeks of the storm, the Nashua Telegraph reported the firefighters were overwhelmed with clothing donations—but still needed gift cards and cash. After the Newtown shooting, the same thing happened. According to CNN, Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra said“Our hearts are warmed by …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
It isn't too late to make a donation that will make this year's end brighter for someone suffering, whether from hunger, poverty, disease or disaster.
In the flurry of holiday shopping and parties, the rush to complete end-of-year business, we are also reminded that this is the season to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Year-end fundraising appeal letters arrive by mail and e-mail from those to whom we have given before, encouraging renewed giving — a task many people set aside for the week after Christmas, when things have slowed down. Yet there are many for whom the holidays could be considerably brightened by some giving right now – families that might face hunger rather than a feast, children whose stockings could be empty of toys, people whose very lives and livelihoods have been visited by illness or disaster beyond their control. And there is still time. With …
Friday, December 7, 2012
And, you can help too. Shorewood has donation boxes at most village buildings where residents can drop off non-perishable food items.
Village of Shorewood employees are teaming up with the Hunger Task Force to help provide food for needy families this winter. And, village staff are encouraging Shorewood residents to join us in this cause. Drop off any non-perishable food item(s) to any village building where you will find donation boxes. Shorewood's goal is 1,000 lbs of food by Dec. 21.
Monday, August 20, 2012
A new report by The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks Wisconsin 44th out of 50 states in charitable giving. The Milwaukee area fares little better, with a donation rate of 3.9 percent it clocks in at 42nd out of the country's 50 largest metro areas.
Wisconsin ranks near the bottom in charitable giving across the country, and the Milwaukee area is no different, according to a special report by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The report, America Gives, analyzed IRS data to determine the rate of charitable giving across states and metro areas, and compared that with the states’ political leanings and the prevalence of religion. America Gives was released today. Wisconsin was 44th out of the 50 states, and Milwaukee 42nd of the 50 largest metro areas. Statewide contributions in 2008 were about $2 billion, with a median donation of $1,747, about 3.4 percent of the median discretionary income of $51,392. Total Milwaukee contributions in 2008 were $842.9 million. The median contribution here…
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Clai Green has sent up a large donation box at her downtown Milwaukee business where community members can help the Shorewood family that lost everything in a fire Wednesday night.
A Shorewood family lost everything but their lives Wednesday night, when what officials believe was lightning struck their home on North Murray Avenue and set it ablaze. A family friend Clai Green, owner of Luci Boutique, 532 N. Water St., has placed a large box outside of the store where those interested in helping the Shorewood family can donate items, Green told Milwaukee Magazine. The store will be accepting donations all weekend and give all cash or donated items directly to the family. Additionally, a $1 cash donation with purchase at the boutique is appreciated, according to the magazine.
43.03698
-87.9089
532 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI
/articles/family-friend-seeking-donations-for-shorewood-family-who-lost-home-in-duplex-fire
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Saturday, May 26, 2012
Honor Flight launches a new website with information about its upcoming Field of Honor event in Miller Park, including the story of a volunteer who's Honor Flight trip was made possible by friend's donations.
Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is asking the public to share veterans' stories this weekend as a way to help spread the word and honor the sacrifices made by these soldiers. As part of the organizations "#DoMore" campaign, the group has issued its Memorial Day Challenge of getting, "50,000 views for this video about Harley-riding Ryan Jazak, who accompanied a vet on an Honor Flight with the support of his brother serving in Afghanistan," according to the website. Late Friday afternoon, the video had just under 2,000 views. The challenge is also additional promotion for the Stars and Stripes upcoming Field of Honor event in Miller Park. Stars and Stripes Honor Flight recently partnered with event organizers of the Milwaukee Air & Water Show…
Friday, December 23, 2011
Carrie Van Hoesen is going above and beyond her duties as a Salvation Army bell ringer by lifting the spirits of Shorewood Pick 'n Save shoppers with a song or two.
With Milwaukee charities struggling to meet their donation target and more families asking for help this holiday season, Carrie Van Hoesen says she goes above and beyond the bell ringing to increase donations into her red kettle. She rings her bell, but also greets customers with song as they enter and leave Shorewood's Pick 'n Save grocery store, catching most shopper's attention. During her 10-to-12 hour shifts, Van Hoesen sings a variety of Christmas carols, using her voice to spread good cheer and encourage good will, and only stops for her five-minute breaks, which she rarely takes. Twenty-five-year-old Van Hoesen has been a seasonal volunteer and worker for the Salvation Army for over six years and has been singing since day one. She…
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A guide to volunteering and donating locally this winter.
As you celebrate the people and things you value in your life this holiday season, you might find yourself wishing to give back some of your fortune to your community. Beyond dropping spare change in the red kettle at your local grocery store, there are many ways to act on the holiday spirit of giving. Here are just some of the options. Donate food and clothing Many food pantries are experiencing record numbers of visitors and hoping for an extra boost of giving around the holidays. Cindy Hilgendorf, assistant director of Family Sharing, an Ozaukee County food pantry, said the pantry had a record number of patrons in November and she expects December to be equally busy. She said families are in especially great need of hats and mittens, …
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Better Business Bureau says charity hasn't renewed expired license since 2006.
According to a press release from the Better Business Bureau: You may have seen the ads in local community newspapers or heard the radio ads, including a catchy jingle that says, “Be a star, donate your car.” The charity behind the advertisements is Heritage For The Blind, a Brooklyn, New York-based organization, that, according to its website, works to help the blind and visually impaired and offers free information about vision loss and eye disorders. It has no office in Wisconsin, but is heavily advertising here, currently asking people to donate their “vehicles, boats and RV’s” and is actually offering a “free 3-day vacation” for doing so. According to the vacation offer’s details, “Donors will enjoy a 2-night hotel stay in the city …
Thursday, September 8, 2011
BBB says not all charities are legitimate, so be careful as 9/11 anniversary approaches.
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Thursday, September 8, 2011
The anniversary of the terroroist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, is quickly approaching, envoking painful memories and for some, the urge to give back. But the Better Business Bureau wants to remind donors to keep a watchful eye out as scammers may try to take advantage of those willing to help out. In a press release issued Thursday, the BBB took a look at a recent Associated Press investigation which found that many 9/11 charities “failed miserably” in serving victims, their families and their memories, while continuing to collect donations. This past week, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs warned that a scammer was calling residents in Northeast Wisconsin fraudulently soliciting donations for a veterans’ clinic in Green Bay. More…
Kathy
8:33 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My sister does fund raising for local families. She takes in anything and everything and distributes locally to the people that fall through the cracks of other efforts. Her home is a diaster but it is a labor of love for her and thankfully this year she has more help. Community for a Better Tomorrow more ›