Help these helping agencies by getting them something from their wish lists
These central Illinois organizations need some extra help this holiday season. We’ll publish other wish lists next week – a complete list of 20+ groups is available online at illinoistimes.com.
If your organization needs help send your list to: swhalen@illinoistimes.com
M.E.R.C.Y. Communities
217-753-1358 Office
217-753-1360 Fax
info@mercycommunities.org
www.mercycommunities.org
M.E.R.C.Y. Communities provides housing and supportive services to homeless and atrisk women and children. MERCY started in 1999, serving 10 transitional families and has grown, with our Permanent Supportive Housing, to 30 plus moms and 55 plus children. The children’s ages range from infants to 17 years old. Our families are working very hard to become independent and self-sufficient, through educational classes, life skills training, and a variety of job training opportunities. We have a volunteer base of 30-35, with other volunteers helping throughout the year on various projects. Thank you for your assistance in making their Christmas special!
Christmas Wish List include:
• Women’s and children’s hats, mittens, scarves - all ages
• New small appliances like crock pots, hand mixers, toasters
• New towels and washcloths
• Sheets - full and twin sets
• Blankets-full and twin size
• Laundry and cleaning supplies
• Toys for all ages (for children ages 11-17)
Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 206,
Springfield, IL 62701
217-744-2560
development@prairiecasa.org
www.prairiecasa.org.
In 2012, Prairie Center celebrates thirty-seven years of service in Central Illinois. Organized in 1975, Prairie Center is the third largest rape crisis center in Illinois serving eleven counties. Prairie Center maintains an office in Springfield and in Jacksonville. We employ twelve staff members and have 30 volunteer crisis workers. Our mission today is the same as it was in 1975: alleviate the suffering of sexual assault victims, prevent sexual violence, and promote social justice for women and children. Prairie Center provides emergency room response, legal advocacy and counseling for sexual assault survivors. We advocate for victim rights in the law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Our school based prevention education programs focus on reducing the likelihood of sexual victimization, particularly in the lives of children and adolescents.
Holiday wish list
• Angels or inspirational stones/trinket items that clients can hold in their hand while testifying in court
•Personal care services- massage, haircut, manicures, yoga, etc
•Gift Cards- coffee shop, restaurants, book stores, gas, etc.
• Clothing for Survivors to wear home from the E.R: *Specifically - New non-logo adult and youth shirts, sweatshirts, sweat pants, and shorts in neutral colors (grey, black, tan, white) in all sizes.New flip flops (sandals) in all sizes. New women’s, girls, and boys underwear in neutral colors (grey, black, tan, white) in all sizes.
•Sponsors for 2012 Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event scheduled for April 21, 2012.
•Raffle Items- gift certificates, electronic items, gift baskets, etc.
•Bus Tokens/Passes and Taxi Vouchers
•Crisis Accommodations- Hotel gift certificates and/or vouchers to provide a short term safe place for victims of sexual assault.
•Sponsors for 2012 Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event scheduled for April 21, 2012.
•Raffle Items- gift certificates, electronic items, gift baskets, etc.
•Bus Tokens/Passes and Taxi Vouchers
•Crisis Accommodations- Hotel gift certificates and/or vouchers to provide a short term safe place for victims of sexual assault.
Special Olympics Illinois
Area 17/Sangamon
217-544-3023
413 E. Adams, Springfield, IL 62705
• Volunteers! People can contact dburnett@soill.org or 544-3023.
• Plungers. The Polar Plunge is March 3 and we are looking for a few good Plungers! To sign up, go to www.plungeillinois.com and follow the Polar Bears to Area 17
