Illinois Times invites area non-profit organizations to tell readers what your special needs are this holiday season.
To participate, send a description of your organization and a summary of your holiday wish list. Fax the information to 217-753-3958 or e-mail editor@illinoistimes.com
This feature appears weekly through the end of the year. Prior "Lend a hand" columns are posted on our Web site, www.illinoistimes.com
Alzheimer's Association
6 Drawbridge Rd., Suite 4, Springfield 62704
217-726-5184
The Alzheimer's Association is the national voluntary health agency dedicated to researching the prevention, cure and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and to providing support and assistance to individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers. The Springfield office of the Alzheimer's Association provides programs and services to 12 counties in Central Illinois, and assists over 12,000 people who struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
The local office's wish list: a vacuum cleaner, cases of copy paper, and financial donations.
Homeownership Coalition for People with Disabilities
426 W. Jefferson St.,Springfield 62702
217-523-2587
The Homeownership Coalition assists all people with disabilities in purchasing their own homes by offering credit-counseling services, homebuyer education, down payment and closing cost assistance, home modification funding, early delinquency intervention and maintenance classes. The families assisted by the coalition have very low incomes and often cannot afford to purchase furniture or appliances right away.
The coalition's current needs include: two gas stoves, refrigerator, bureaus or chest of drawers, green or beige couch, coffee table, end tables, and bookcases. To arrange a donation, contact Robin Benson at 523-2587 ext. 211 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Music in Communities and Education
P.O. Box 9833, Springfield 62791
217-787-3316
Music in Communities and Education places musical education programs into local schools and other not-for-profits. These programs are free to the recipients and are funded through memberships, sponsorships and donations. The not-for-profit organization recently embarked on an annual fund and membership/sponsorship drive to raise funds for next year's programming.
In addition to monetary donations, the organization accepts postage stamps, office supplies (such as copy paper, file folder, envelopes, specialty paper), printer ink, 35 mm film and batteries. Please call 787-3316 (press *2) for drop off or pick up. More information is available at www.musicincommunitieseducation.org
Sangamon County Community Foundation
One W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Ste. 503, Springfield 62701
217-789-4431
The Railsplitters Sertoma Club recently established an endowment fund to support the Sangamon County Community Foundation's contributions to area charities. The initial contribution, made by 14 Sertoma Club members, is $32,000.
Additional contributions are encouraged. Send checks, payable to "Sangamon County Community Foundation, Railsplitters Sertoma Club Fund," to the foundation.
Senior Services of Central Illinois
701 W. Mason St., Springfield 62702
217-528-4035
Senior Services of Central Illinois provides a wide variety of programs and services to the elderly in Logan, Mason, Menard and Sangamon counties. SSCI is a not-for-profit corporation, partially funded by federal, state and local dollars, serving nearly 25,000 participants annually. A voluntary 24-member Board of Directors governs SSCI.
Senior Services's wish list includes: funds for emergency food (non-perishable food items), medication, and shelter; funds for public transportation, Salvation Army, and Goodwill vouchers; new computers for the Senior Center computer teaching lab; new bingo prizes; a mobile TV/VCR cart; 15-passenger van for the Senior Center; grocery store vouchers; new blankets.
