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
Fifth Street Renaissance
518 N. 5th St. (P.O. Box 5181), Springfield 62705
217-544-5040
Fifth Street Renaissance provides transitional housing and case-management services to homeless men, women, and couples with no children. The agency operates a facility with six single-room units for individuals and one two-room unit for a couple. In May, Fifth Street opened a congregate living facility with a small single room and nine rooms adequate for individuals or couples. The agency works with individuals to develop self-sufficiency skills, with the goal of helping them to become independent.
Fifth Street Renaissance’s wish list includes: cleaning supplies (dish soap, Pinesol, Windex); paper supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags), personal care supplies (soap, toothpaste, deoderant), laundry supplies (soap, fabric softener, bleach, starch), gift items (gift baskets for men or women, blankets, inspirational or self-help books or any other useful items), food and a computer. Cash donations are also appreciated. Donations can be made at the rear of 518 N. 5th St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., or by calling Penny McConnell at 544-5040.
Helping Hands of Springfield
200 S. 11th St., Springfield 62703
217-522-0048
Helping Hands provides services to the homeless, including two transitional living programs that assist up to nine individuals at a time. The organization seeks the support of individuals, groups, businesses, and churches to provide shelter volunteers and make cash or in-kind contributions.
The Helping Hands wish list includes: personal care items (spray deodorant, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, combs, hand lotion, mouthwash); paper goods (towels, napkins, toilet paper); disposable cups, plates and bowls; plastic utensils; coffee, sugar, creamer and hot chocolate; towels and washcloths; bed linens; laundry detergent; and prepared meals.
If you’re interested in becoming a meal provider, call 522-0048 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
The Phoenix Center
122 E. Laurel St., Springfield 62704
217-528-5253
The Phoenix Center provides HIV/AIDS prevention and basic life skill education to the community, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, economic situation, or social status. The Center serves as an information resource to concerned citizens, community groups, health care professionals and at-risk members of society.
The Phoenix Center’s wish list includes: paper products (toilet tissue and paper towels), personal care items (travel size shampoo, Kleenex, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap), office supplies and equipment (printer cartridges: HPC4092A #92, HPC6625AN #17, HPC6615DN #15; fax cartridge: Brother PC-301; postage stamps; scotch tape; 9×12 manilla folders; bookcases; office chairs; trash bags), cleaning products, miscellaneous (board games, books, DVDs/VHS tapes, CDs/cassettes). Donations and financial contributions can be made between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Rutledge Youth Foundation Inc.
534 W. Miller St., Springfield 62702
217-525-7757
Rutledge Youth Foundation has been helping area youth since 1952. The foundation’s activities include an independent-living program for teenagers, counseling and advocacy services, and foster care. It also operates a group home for boys at 931 N. Rutledge.
Rutledge Youth Foundation’s wish list includes: winter coats and gloves; new computer(s) and a printer; twin-size bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets); pillows; pots and pans, glasses, dishes, silverware; personal hygiene items; towels. The organization also seeks foster parents and volunteers to assist with marketing.
This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2003.
