KCC_Giving Back_112119

INSIDE

non-profits • Features on amazing local and volunteers • 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley doing good • Directory of organizations work in our community A PUBLICATION OF

est. 1851

KCC Giving Back.indd 1

11/7/19 11:57 AM

E D I S N I s ' t Wha 3 United Way 4 Project Mobility 6 CASA Kane County 8 St. Charles Episcopal Church 10 Northern Illinois Food Bank 12 St. Charles Park District 14 Cal's Angels 15 Random Acts Matter 16 Salvation Army 18 Anderson Animal Shelter 22 Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley 24 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley 27 Valley Sheltered Workshop

Thank you to our Generous sponsors: My Advisor and Planner, LLC The Bike Rack Geneva Cabinet Gallery State Bank of Geneva Northern Illinois Food Bank St. Charles Park District Random Acts Matter McNally Heating & Cooling State Street Jewelers Mason, Faith & Hoscheit DDS, LTD La Huerta Grill & Market Spare Wheels Transportation

2 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 2

11/7/19 11:57 AM

BECAUSE EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO SUCCEED LIVE UNITED

®

Fox Valley United Way promotes positive early childhood experiences to ensure that local children have what they need to succeed in school and in life.

Volunteer or donate at foxvalleyunitedway.org

AURORA 44 E. Galena Blvd.

Aurora, IL 60505

ST. CHARLES 202 W. Main St. 2nd Floor St. Charles, IL 60174

630-896-4636 info@foxvalleyunitedway.org foxvalleyunitedway.org

Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR & PLANNER, LLC

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 3

KCC Giving Back.indd 3

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Project Mobilityedom

gives fre of cycling

to those in need

W

hat could be more satisfying than to give the gift of freedom, self-esteem, and mobility to another person?

That’s just what Hal Honeyman, owner of The Bike Rack in St. Charles, envisioned when he founded the not-for-profit Project Mobility in 2002. The idea for the organization was inspired after he customized a bike for his special needs son, Jacob, who has cerebral palsy and cannot walk. It resulted in pure joy for the both of them and has successfully expanded to help countless of others in the Fox Valley and beyond.

The mission of Project Mobility is to provide customized bikes for children, adults and wounded soldiers with disabilities. Through the generosity of loyal supporters, they are given empowerment and wheels of hope by putting them in the driver’s seat to make a positive difference in their lives.

“We provide the services, resources, and equipment needed to promote better health, independence, and the freedom of mobility through adaptive cycling,” said Tammy Simmons, Honeyman’s sister, who serves as its director of development.

In addition to selling bikes at The Bike Rack, a whole new division was established in 1996, Creative Mobility, to put a positive spin on creating and offering adaptive bikes and different types of adaptive equipment for those with physical and cognitive limitations. Bikes can be foot or hand-

powered, as well as trikes, bikes, and tandems.

Recumbent bikes have a reclined, feet-forward position of a rider’s body allowing for maximum support and comfort for the back and seat, all customized to each individual rider.

There are many benefits for those who are not be able to ride a traditional bike. Physical benefits provide improved strength and flexibility, independence, better balance, and better overall cardio and circulatory health. Peer integration through engagement with others is life changing.

Self-esteem and emotional health benefits make a difference, too, as Project Mobility allows riders to take part in bike clinics and adventures; something they never would have dreamed possible.

None of these miraculous outcomes could be possible without the support of generous donors.

Project Mobility, a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organizations, receives annual gifts and matching gifts through fundraising efforts of many local businesses and a variety of special events coordinated by the not-for-profit. In-kind donations, products or services, help Project Mobility in reducing operating costs.

Project Mobility has two major events each year, Hops for Hope 5K Craft Beer Run and Everybody Rides. These events are for EVERYBODY including those with disabilities.

Hops for Hope 5K, to be held on May 16, 2020, is a fun run/walk featuring samples of beer from various local breweries along the route. After the race, a bike is awarded to a deserving individual.

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina, who kicked-off last year’s 5K, noted the 5K is now considered a signature St. Charles event. Next year it will include for the very first time an adult handcycle bike giveaway contest.

Everybody Rides Presented by Aldi, to be held on August 30, 2020, is an all inclusive adaptive bike event. Participants can go on a casual 10 mile family trail ride or a road ride for avid cyclists up to 62 miles. An awards ceremony and after party is held at James O’ Breen Park with adaptive bike presentations, food, beer, raffles, and a live band.

“This year’s Everybody Rides included an adaptive bike giveaway contest to give a child with the most likes on our Facebook page a $5000 Freedom Concepts adaptive bike,” said Simmons.

The post was viewed over 274,000 times and shared by 2,200 people. “We are continuing to raise funds to get the remaining eight children their very own adaptive bikes,” added Simmons. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/adaptivebike-giveaway-2019.

For more information, visit WWW.PROJECTMOBILITY.ORG or contact Event Director at katherine@projectmobility.org.

Sponsored by: The Bike Rack 4 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 4

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Find Your Perfect Riding Experience Let Us Be Your Guide

Huge Selection of Trek Bikes, Road, Gravel, Hybrid & Mountain World’s best selection of recumbent and adaptive bikes. Electric Assist Test Ride and Demo Center.

ALL NEW INDOOR RIDING CENTER - SIGNUP NOW! UNDER CONSTRUCTION / Almost Completed

Ride Indoors with Coached Classes $15.00 each Group Rides $10.00 each Complete schedule and online sign up at THEBIKERACK.COM

CLASSES STARTING NOW! • Follow us on facebook for upcoming special events.

Rentals Bikes Available – rental fees can be applied to purchase price of a bike.

Trek electric assist ebikes in stock!

Super fun and easy to ride.

Test ride one and get a free Bike Rack water bottle. www.thebikerack.com | 630.584.6588 2930 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles Mon-Fri 10 -7, Sat 9 - 5, Sun 11 - 3 Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 5

KCC Giving Back.indd 5

11/7/19 11:57 AM

BE A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, CALL 1-800-25-ABUSE

CAS A KAN E C OUNT Y | 100 S. TH IR D ST. , S UI TE 46 0 | GENEV A, IL | 630. 232.448 4 | C A SA K A NEC OU NT Y .O R G

y r o t S ’s d il h C a e g n Cha

C

ASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization that has been advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system since 1988.

CASA Kane County recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL) for children who are in court due to abuse, neglect or private guardianship. The goal is to ensure that every child is placed in a safe and permanent home allowing them the chance to reach their full potential in life.

A CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Guardian ad Litem) volunteer is a caring, consistent adult for a child who’s experiencing the loneliness and uncertainty of foster care.

Consistency for children is what we expect and thrive for as an organization so that an eight year old girl named Robin who used to love drawing kittens, rainbows and flowers is now mainly drawing pictures of her family, because all Robin wants is to go back home. After a few painful years of watching her parents spiral downward and lose the ability to care for her, she is spending her holidays in foster care.

Annually, CASA serves more than 500 children in abuse/neglect and private guardianship cases for minors. The devastation of a child being removed from his/her home is traumatic. The sadness and instability it creates for children is beyond stressful when they have no idea what it going to happen to them next. The saying, “it takes a village” cannot be closer to the truth when it comes to what WE can do for our kids, right here in Kane County.

Every child deserves to be given the opportunity to thrive and live without fear.

MOST PEOPLE IN AMERICA: • Are not aware of the huge number of children being abused and neglected by families today.

• Do not know where children go when they are taken away from their parents by the state.

6 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 6

TM

• Have no idea what the juvenile court is or what happens there.

• Believe if a child is involved in the court system, then he/she must be a juvenile delinquent.

• Think abusive families are bad, cannot change their ways and should not be given another chance.

In other words, a great majority of people in our community have absolutely no knowledge about CASA or the importance of the program.

Please consider volunteering, donating or connecting with CASA Kane County to help more children like Robin.

Visit our website for more information or to donate CASAKANECOUNTY.ORG Call Vicki Shaw, Senior Director of Advancement at 630-444-3100 to volunteer, donate or connect!

Sponsored by: Geneva Cabinet Gallery

11/7/19 11:57 AM

We can create any of your remodeling ideas, from design to installation We Do It All.

FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS AND ARTISAN TRADESMEN To see this kitchen visit Havlicek Builder’s, Cooper Woods model in Geneva.

321 Stevens Street, Geneva • 630.232.9500 • www.genevacabinetgallery.com HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or by appointment

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 7

KCC Giving Back.indd 7

11/7/19 11:57 AM

h c r u h C l a p o c s i p E s e l r a h rs. e h t o g in St. C v r e s ly l u f y jo heart, We are a church with a

big

W

e are a church with a big heart, shining the light of Christ, joyfully serving others. We are a thriving parish with a growing, energetic membership, where what we do is an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are open to all, striving to make a difference in our community.

We are young and old, single and married, of different social and economic backgrounds. That which unites us is more important than our differences. We are all here because we ďŹ nd Jesus Christ in our worship, in our fellowship, and in our ministry and service to others.

Please look for us at STCHARLESEPISCOPAL.ORG and on Facebook at St. Charles Episcopal Church. We can also be contacted at 630-584-2596 or info@ stcharlesepiscopal.org.

We would love to welcome you to our church! We are located at: 994 North Fifth Avenue in St. Charles, IL all are welcome at our church.

Sponsored by: STATE BANK OF GENEVA 8 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 8

11/7/19 11:57 AM

22 S. 4th Street Geneva, IL 60134

(630)232-3200

www.sbgeneva.com

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 9

KCC Giving Back.indd 9

11/7/19 11:57 AM

What You ! s r e t t a M Do k n a B d o o F is o in l Il n r e h t r No

A

proud member of Feeding America, Northern Illinois Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that leads the Northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since 1983, food manufacturers, local grocers, corporations, foundations, and individuals have come together to donate food and funds, and to evaluate and repack food for distribution to more than 900 partner feeding programs – the food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs that serve more than half a million people every year.

The Food Bank has an ambitious goal to solve hunger by providing every meal, every day to every neighbor in every community throughout its 13-county service area of Northern Illinois, (including Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, Kendall, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago counties).

Last year alone, the Food Bank distributed 69.1 million meals to neighbors in need, including 1.9 million meals provided to children and seniors.

There are many ways you can get involved in the Food Bank’s mission to solve hunger. The Food Bank holds a number of fundraisers every year to support its mission of solving hunger across Northern Illinois, with sponsorship opportunities and planning committee positions available for the 2020 event season. Please visit WWW.SOLVEHUNGERTODAY.ORG for the latest dates and information about upcoming events.

While the Food Bank is grateful for the continued support from corporations, foundations, community organizations and individuals, additional donations are always needed to help support its many feeding programs. Every $1 donated helps provide $8 worth of groceries to our hungry neighbors. The Food Bank has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, has been rated highly by Charity Navigator for 15 years, and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Lastly, one of the easiest ways to get involved with the Food Bank is to volunteer, and there are many ways to do so! Everyone ages 8 and up are welcome to help sort and pack food at any of the Food Bank’s four centers located in Geneva, Park City, Joliet and Rockford. Volunteers can also provide administrative or professional support as a skills-based volunteer, serve on event planning committees or represent the Food Bank at community festivals.

Volunteer opportunities are available on weekdays, select evenings and Saturdays.

To learn more, visit WWW.SOLVEHUNGERTODAY.ORG or call (630) 443-6910.

10 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 10

Sponsored by: Northern Illinois Food Bank

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Your gift today can DOUBLE to help provide $16 worth of groceries for every $1 donated!

SolveHungerToday.org/GTGift

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 11

KCC Giving Back.indd 11

11/7/19 11:57 AM

! r a e y is h t n io t u l o s e r Try a different sort ofthe st charles park district! sign up to be a volunteer at

V

olunteering can broaden your horizons, lift your spirits, and energize your daily routine.

You can’t ask more of a resolution than that!

From school groups and Scout troops to business team-building exercises and families who enjoy doing things together, many volunteer hands help lighten the workload for Park District staff.

Dedicating volunteer time with the Park District enriches the quality of life in St. Charles.

Volunteering can be as varied and as wide-ranging as the Park District itself. Like to be outdoors? You can help out with daily chores such as feeding the livestock at Primrose Farm or harvest seeds for restoration work at the community’s many natural areas. Enjoy working with children? Sign up to be an usher at a Dance Academy recital or assist with a special event like manning a water station at the Youth Triathlon.

“Many of our events would not be able to take place if it weren’t for our volunteers,” said Lara Piner, Volunteer Coordinator. Take the traditional Easter Egg Hunt for kids and the popular Doggie Egg Hunt for canine friends. All the tens of thousands of plastic eggs used for both activities are stuffed with goodies by the hard work of volunteers.

Want to try something a bit out of the ordinary?

Become a frog monitor. This fun activity is perfect for the nature-loving individual or outdoor-

embracing family. And more importantly, it provides a vital function by helping officials evaluate the ecological health of a region. The next training session is February 15, 2020 at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

Want to give back to the community? The Adult Activity Center schedules regular monthly volunteer sessions with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Interested in nature? Participate in weekly Saturday morning ongoing restoration projects at the natural areas at Hickory Knolls, Norris Woods, Ferson Creek Fen and Persimmon Woods.

“We have great volunteers who come out on their own to help on these weekend work days as well as large groups who help with more involved projects at specific times,” said Chris Gingrich, Assistant Superintendent of Outdoor Education.

Corporations such as OMRON Automotive Electronics and Clarke, a St. Charles-based environmental products and services company, often host an “employee day of service” that can involve brush-cutting at Norris Woods or planting plugs of native plants at Mt. St. Mary Park.

“The District’s nature volunteers do so much that most of us don’t realize we benefit from,” said Piner. “Those beautiful spaces take work to make them look so natural!”

“We always can use seasonal help,” said Piner.

12 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 12

“It may be something as simple as working along an area of shoreline to pick up trash or tidy up garden beds around buildings and parking lots.

We’re grateful for the generous help we get and it all goes to making our parks welcoming and beautiful.”

With an average of 1,000 people contributing an estimated 4,000 hours per year, volunteers help maintain open space and natural areas and support educational and activity-based programs that provide quality recreation opportunities for our community.

Beyond the recreation programs, athletic fields, sport courts, ice rinks, pools, wetlands and more, volunteers are a very important resource for the Park District. Whether you choose to volunteer for a good cause, in a group setting or for a personal interest, when you volunteer at the Park District, you will make a difference for the community’s recreational and leisure experience.

Your support will directly or indirectly touch the lives of some 50,000 people who choose to live in St. Charles and the countless others who visit the Pride of the Fox. To become a St. Charles Park District volunteer, call Lara Piner at 630-513-4330 or visit the park district’s web site at WWW.STCPARKS.ORG.

Sponsored by: St. Charles Park District

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Wanted:

Smiling Faces

VOLUNTEER

Join the Team!

Be a Park Partner

Places to Help Natural Areas: Restoration Work Days Primrose Farm: Chores/Farm Special Events Hickory Knolls Discovery Center: Nature Special Events, Nature Programming Adult Activity Center: Northern Illinois Food Bank,, Member Mailings & More!

Special Events: Egg Stuffing, Dance Recital Usher, Athletic & Family Event Assistants Aquatics: Pre/Post Season Clean-Up Park Sites: Beautification Projects, Clean-Up Trails, Shorelines & More!

NOW Accepting

Individuals • Families • Businesses Scout Troops • School Groups Service Organizations

For more details, contact Lara Piner: 630-513-4330 or lpiner@stcparks.org To view all of the volunteer opportunities visit: stcparks.org/volunteering Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 13

KCC Giving Back.indd 13

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Cal’s Angels

Granting WISHES, raising AWARENESS and funding RESEARCH

to help kids fighting cancer.

C

al’s Angels is a Chicagoland based 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer foundation established in 2007 in memory of Cal Sutter, a 13-year-old who lost his battle with leukemia. Cal’s kindness and generosity inspired the start of Cal’s Angels.

For over 12 years we have been able to bring hope and support to thousands of kids fighting cancer and their families. Everything Cal’s Angels does is centered around our mission of granting wishes, raising awareness and funding research to help kids fighting cancer.

WISHES

It all starts with a comfort kit provided to the family and filled with items to make their hospital stay more comfortable. This is just the beginning of a relationship built with the child fighting cancer and their family. Cal’s also: hosts monthly hospital parties at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital,

grants $1,000 wishes, offers sibling assistance for extracurricular activities, delivers the holidays to families of a child fighting cancer, decorates their homes with Holiday Lights, holds a year-round Toy Drive, and hosts a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole in partnership with United Airlines.

AWARENESS

Pediatric cancer affects over 40,000 children each year with 46 newly diagnosed children every day.

Help to raise awareness for the gold ribbon and help kids with cancer! Awareness Programs include: In September, Chicagoland schools, businesses and towns Go Gold with Cal’s Angels. Year-round Cal’s will host Head Shave Events, a Glow Walk, Chicago Marathon & Fox Valley Half Marathon teams, and Social Media Awareness Campaigns.

RESEARCH

Hospital are committed to moving research forward as quickly as possible to save more children’s lives. Working collaboratively with researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children’s we initiated the Cal’s Angels Drug Discovery Program with a commitment of one million dollars!

“The partnership between Cal’s Angels and the community is imperative to close the gap between the current progress and the future advances in pediatric cancer, ultimately getting us closer to finding a cure. Cal’s Angels continues to make strides in creating awareness for pediatric cancer and the gold ribbon as well as the clinical trial arena,” said Stacey Sutter, President, and Co-Founder.

Please join Cal’s Angels in the WAR (Wishes, Awareness & Research) against Pediatric Cancer.

Cal’s Angels and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s

Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR & PLANNER, LLC 14 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 14

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Random Acts MMaakintg ta deifferrence for families

throughout the community

“

Y

ou’re like my fairy godmothers.”

That was the sentiment of a local teen, when Sharon LeGare and RAM Volunteers delivered a gift basket to her earlier this year, filled with items to make her transition to college life a happy one. You see, this particular teenager had been a real trooper, helping out with her younger siblings while her father battled ALS. So heading off to college, usually a time filled with excitement and anticipation, was kind of emotional.

But LeGare, who is the Volunteer Coordinator for a local organization called Random Acts Matter, received the nomination form from the teens employer, and helped to coordinate the ACTof KINDNESS along with the team of volunteers. The group provides random acts of kindness – from gift baskets to routine tasks to needed clothing and household items – to local residents in need. Such a basket, filled with dorm essentials, gift cards and more, was delivered to the teen before she landed on campus.

“I imagine it is going to be very difficult emotionally to leave her Dad and go off to school when he is sick,” LeGare shared that the young girl is such a caring and loving person who works full time to help towards the care of her siblings. That’s a load. The basket made for a bitter-sweet send-off.”

Funded solely by donations from community members and local businesses and run by volunteers, the effort has provided more than 200 random acts since it was founded two and a half years ago. All recipients must live in the 60174 or 60175 zip codes, or live in School District 303, and be nominated by anyone who sees that someone needs a Random ACT of Kindness. (A friend, neighbor, co-worker, a school, church, or local organization.)

Some of the random acts that the organization’s team of volunteers have provided include delivering food for those in crisis situations, donating a bike to

a student in need, providing housecleaning, family activities, date nights, back to school clothes, and meals for parents of a seriously ill child and many more. On average, each random act costs between $250 and $300. The group’s goal is offer two random acts of kindness every week.

LeGare says that being a part of the organization has opened her eyes to how many people in the community are struggling and hurting. She explains that she’s motivated by that awareness and is grateful that RAM is trying to create a community environment of care and compassion.

“You do these small acts of kindness but when you leave and you’ve seen the struggle, it really hits your heart. It is humbling to learn how many in our community are struggling. But it’s also very rewarding to have the privilege and opportunity to come along side our fellow neighbors and help a little bit. Some have said it renews their hope in people,” she says.

In addition to providing care and compassion to the community, Random Acts Matter also awarded scholarships to a graduating senior from St. Charles North High School and to a student from St. Charles East High School.

“We want to have an impact on our community, and cultivate kindness in our community and our schools,” she says. “Our schools have gratefully embraced Random Acts Matter. The schools are encouraging their students to thinking beyond themselves and take notice of those around them that are struggling.”

Currently Random Acts Matter is in the stages of planning and preparing for our annual PAINT THE TOWN ORANGE, a week-long of community wide volunteerism to be held in February 2020.

“It’s really about wanting to get the community involved,” she explains. “To mobilize them, get into the schools, the businesses, the neighborhoods. It’s

a wonderful week to spread the idea of sharing and giving kindness to others.”

And while many volunteers in the program are residents and individuals, LeGare says partnership from the business community is essential. Donations of products, resources, and even hands-on services all help the group meet community needs.

“The local businesses support RAM and we in turn support the businesses by the gift cards and items purchased to fill the baskets. It’s a fantastic symbiotic relationship.”

Looking ahead, LeGare says the organization is involved in an outreach of its own, offering acts of kindness to veterans, first responders and other organizations such as BIG HEARTS OF FOXVALLEY. An ongoing partnership with Lazarus House provides gift baskets to residents who are transitioning to their own apartments and back to school clothes for the children.

“We are growing our organization from both angles, random acts and outreach,” she says.

Random Acts Matter is seeking more volunteers and hopes more nominations for families and residents in need of an act of kindness.

“We want people to nominate” she says, “just go on our website – click nominate and tell us about the person who needs some compassion and care.”

We provide baskets for those who are battling cancer, loss or recovering of injuries or accidents, financial needs, emotional or physical struggles, or simply ones of encouragement for those who are experiencing the rough and rocky roads of life.

Sharon said “please partner with us, Random ACTS MATTER and help us be a blessing to someone you know and care about.”

For more information about Random Acts Matter, visit WWW.RANDOMACTSMATTER.COM.

Sponsored by: Random Acts Matter Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 15

KCC Giving Back.indd 15

11/7/19 11:57 AM

y m r A n o i t a v l a the S W

hen you think of the Salvation Army, you might envision bell ringers on street corners during the holiday season or gently used items available at its thrift stores. But the Salvation Army does so much more to provide customized services in the communities it serves.

"While the Tri -City area has a median income of $96,000 - over $40,000 more than Chicago's median income - residents of St. Charles, Batavia and Geneva can face disaster at any time, such as losing a job due to company downsizing, repairing a house after a tornado or paying for costly medical treatment," explains Leora Conway-Moreno of The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps.

Over 34,000 people in Kane County over the age of 16 live in poverty. Out of these people,only 11 percent are unemployed - 36 percent work either part or fulltime, and 53 percent are not in the labor force (retirees, students, and others not actively seeking employment). The rest are working but not making enough to access healthy foods, retired adults, or children under age 18. To assist these residents, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps offers a daily food pantry, and twice a week it offers fresh foods donated by Blue Goose and other local retailers.

Another area of support is providing affordable child care. The average annual cost of daycare is $4,714 – about 27 percent of income for parents making minimum wage. To help these families, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps offers an after school program for $115 per month with scholarships available up to 100 percent. The after school program provides youngsters with homework help, arts, crafts, snacks and a gym for kids to burn off steam. During the summer, kids can find a safe haven at the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps’ day or sleep away camps.

16 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 16

To ensure these youngsters receive gifts under the tree, every December the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps’ gym is transformed into a winter wonderland where parents can “shop” for books, puzzles, toys and stocking stuffers that have been donated by the community. Parents also receive gift cards to Target or Wal-Mart for kids to go shopping as well as gift cards to Jewel to buy all the fixings for a holiday meal.

“This community has such as heart. We have about five to six staff members, but it’s mostly our volunteers who run our programs,” ConwayMoreno says.

With the holiday season coming up, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps seeks volunteers to ring bells and collect money from Nov. 8 through Dec. 24 (ringers get Sundays off). The agency’s goal is to collect $195,000 to support families in the Tri-City area. To put that into perspective, ConwayMoreno says $20 buys a new coat for a child and $135 sponsors a kid for one week at day camp.

“If you sign up to ring a bell in the Tri-Cities, the money raised will stay in this area.

You really have a chance to support your neighbors,” Conway-Moreno says.

Please visit: WWW.SATRICITY.ORG for more info.

Sponsored by: MCNALLY HEATING & COOLING

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Serving the Fox Valley and Surrounding Area

Reliable Heating & Cooling Services for When It Counts

Why McNally’s?

Honest, upfront, competitive pricing 10-year limited labor warranty on installs, 2-year limited warranty on repairs All work thoroughly tested Professional, punctual and courteous service techs

FREE ESTIMATE

6 3 0 . 3 6 3 . 9 0 6 7 | mcnallyhvac.com Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 17

KCC Giving Back.indd 17

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Happy Pets, . e l p o e P y p p Ha Anderson Animal Shelter

A

nderson Animal Shelter cares for over 4,000 animals a year, with a mission to improve the lives of animals and people through service and education.

Anderson is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. The shelter advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of animals through direct care, humane education, and community outreach programs. With locations in the western suburbs of Chicago that include South Elgin, Bloomingdale and North Aurora, they positively impact the community by supporting the human-animal bond.

NEW INITIATIVE: ANDERSON’S MILITARY VETERANS' PROGRAM

Anderson Animal Shelter created a Military Veterans Program to support the mutually beneficial relationship between animals and veterans. Please help us spread the word about our “four-legged” program!

FIRST LEG - All honorably-discharged veterans, active duty, and reservists are eligible to receive 50% discount off an adoption as a way to thank military for their service.

SECOND LEG - MVP Volunteers use positive reinforcement training to increase the adoptability of shelter animals.

THIRD LEG - Behavioral foster program, where MVP volunteers foster specialneeds animals. The volunteers are provided with training and support from the program’s coordinator along with Anderson's clinic and behavior staff.

FOURTH LEG - Active duty foster program, where Anderson Animal Shelter fosters and provides care through its MVP volunteer network for pets of active duty or reservists being deployed.

WANT TO HELP?

• There are many ways you can support Anderson Animal Shelter: • Adopt a pet!

• Become a volunteer • Make a one-time or re-occuring donation • Become a foster pet parent • Attend one of our fundraising events • Host a fundraiser • Donate an item from our Wish List • Choose us as your Amazon Smile beneficiary while shopping online For details on these options and to find out more information, visit our website!

WWW.ANDERSONANIMALSHELTER.ORG

Sponsored by: State Street Jewelers 18 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 18

11/7/19 11:57 AM

People come from far and wide to State Street Jewelers for various reasons. Some customers come because they can find the exclusive selection we offer, including our Hearts on Fire collection, or to have quality jewelry repair work done on location. Other customers come back, time and time again, to see Payson, the dog of owner Jeff Hampton.

Often found in his dog bed, placed in the window facing State Street, he greets customers and children who stop in, sometimes just to drop off treats for him. He adds warmth to our business and delights our customers. We are proud to support Anderson Animal Shelter for saving homeless animals and giving them a second chance at finding a forever home.

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 19

KCC Giving Back.indd 19

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Call our office at: 630.232.2233

Our Mission We provide compassionate guidance and support for the grieving.

Our Vision

Fox Valley Hands of Hope invites you to participate in,

GIVING TUESDAY ON DECEMBER 3RD

We strive to be the leading provider and resource center for exemplary services for those experiencing grief.

This 24-hour online fundraising event was established to encourage people to create change in their communities by supporting local nonprofits all throughout Illinois!

Want to learn more about FVHH? Visit our website at: fvhh.net

Interested in donating?

Visit www.givegab.com/nonprofits and look up Fox Valley Hands of Hope in the search engine!

For in-depth testimonials, and stories from our volunteers and program participants, please visit our blog at: https://www.fvhh.net/resources/hope-first-hand/

Sponsored by: Mason, Faith & Hoscheit DDS, Ltd

20 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 20

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Providing Quality Dental Care Since 1969

2035 Foxfield Rd., Suite 103, St. Charles

630-584-5444 ~ www.dmkdds.com Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 21

KCC Giving Back.indd 21

11/7/19 11:57 AM

Literacy Volunteers fox valley helping adults

Learn english empowering the

community L

iteracy Volunteers Fox Valley helps adults learn English by matching them with trained one-to-one volunteer tutors who provide much more than English lessons. They help immigrants and refugees adapt to our community so they can be better workers, effective parents, and engaged community members.

asylum seekers who have escaped corrupt political systems or violent gangs. Some of their adult learners faced ethnic cleansing in their home countries. The one thing these adult learners have in common is that they want to make a better life for themselves and their families, but most remain in low wage jobs due to their language barriers.

ADULT LEARNERS COME FROM MORE THAN 40 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES Due to recent political debates, some might believe that fewer people are immigrating to the United States. It is true that the number of Mexican people immigrating to Illinois isn’t as high as it was 10 years ago. The decline in manufacturing has left fewer labor jobs available to residents. As a result, Mexican immigration in Illinois has slowed, but there has been an increase in immigrants arriving from Asia and Central America. Our neighbors are more diverse than ever before.

THEY COME FOR DIFFERENT REASONS People wonder why immigrants and refugees relocate to the Fox Valley. Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley has enrolled religious refugees who want to worship in peace. They have enrolled

A VISION OF THE FUTURE By meeting with a volunteer tutor for one hour each week, an adult can learn English and achieve what they never thought possible.

Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley’s vision of the future includes immigrant workers who have good jobs and understand what their employers expect. They see immigrant parents who fully participate in the school community and understand how to help their children succeed.

They see immigrants who go to community events, libraries, and park district activities for enrichment, who interact with their neighbors and lend a helping hand when needed.

YOU CAN HELP The number of adult learners and volunteer tutors Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley can support is directly related to the amount of program funding they receive.

THEY HAVE SKILLS TO OFFER Immigrants and refugees are often seen as uneducated and unemployable. In fact, 53% of the 267 adults Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley helped last year had at least a high school

22 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 22

diploma. They have workforce experience and are willing to learn new skills.

If you are interested in supporting the program, visit WWW.LVFV.ORG/HOWTOHELP/DONATE or volunteer at WWW.LVFV.ORG/EVENTS/ TRAININGSCHEDULE.

Sponsored by: La Huerta Grill & Market

11/7/19 11:57 AM

! s s e c c u S

We’ll Make Your Event a

Holiday Parties • Corporate Events Family Gatherings • Weddings

Convenient online nline o ordering rdering • Orders Orders o over ver $ $199 199 rreceive eceive ffree ree local delivery Had this wonderful family owned business cater my son’s graduation and another time a rehearsal dinner. Food was amazing! They set everything up. Super friendly. Treated us like family. I highly recommend their services. ~ Kay P. Food is phenomenal, best in the area for being the total package from the barbacoa to the steak. It has the best collection of great tasting tacos. On top of that, they have guisado daily so this place is a must try if you’re in the area. ~ James P.

Call Us Today!

C A T E R I N G

FREE!

Loa Margarit ned for orde a Machine rs over $ 299!

La Huerta Mexican Grill and Meat Market 580 S. Randall Rd. • St Charles, IL 60174 (630) 587-0549 • lahuertagrillandmarket.com

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 23

KCC Giving Back.indd 23

11/7/19 11:57 AM

, k c a b e v i Kids can g too

BY DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK

T

he word “volunteerism” generally conjures up the image of adults working together for a worthy cause. In the Fox Valley, that spirit of volunteerism has now expanded to the younger generation.

100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley took root in 2017 as an offshoot of 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley, both organized by Theoni Liimouris. The founding chapter of 100 Women Who Care was formed 13 years ago in Michigan as a way to raise money to buy baby cribs to curb infant mortality. The not-for-profit now has chapters in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

As with their adult counterparts, 100 Kids Who Care meet quarterly and choose a charity to offer their volunteer services.

We meet with the seasons,” says Erin Meitzler, who co-chairs the group with Kelly Moore. “There’s no registration. Anyone is welcome. You come when you can. If a project doesn’t interest you or your kids, you can sit that one out.”

The laid-back approach to volunteering appeals to families with activities, sports and school demands. When a charity is chosen, the information is posted on the organization’s Facebook page and email distribution list. The Kids’ current project is with the Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation. “They want to have our children volunteers work with their art therapist and create pieces of artwork to be used at one of their benefits to raise money for their organization. It’s different than anything we ever did before and it appeals to kids,” says Meitzler.

Last year, 100 Kids volunteered for a Fox River cleanup project in partnership with the Batavia Environmental Commission. Recently, they headed to the Interfaith Food Pantry, also in Batavia, where they helped clean up. Other projects have included making pet blankets for the Anderson Animal Shelter and making sack lunches for clients of Lazarus House, in St. Charles. “Each family brought predetermined ingredients for the lunches,” says Meitzler. “The families signed up for what they would bring, and then the kids gathered to put everything together.

They even made little happy messages to include in the lunches. The residents just loved the kids.”

To volunteer for 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley, email: 100kidswhocarefoxvalley@gmail.com. The organization encourages children of all ages to volunteer. During certain events, younger children ages six and under must have a parent present. “Generally, kids as young as 3 or 4 can participate very successfully, but of course, with their parents’ help,” says Meitzler.

Volunteer opportunities typically aren’t really geared toward youngsters, says Meitlzer. “But we’ve received feedback that this is a great way to bring awareness to different organizations in the area. There are many in Fox Valley, but some smaller ones people don’t necessarily know about. I think awareness is as big a piece of the puzzle as anything else, that these organizations are out there to help people.

“The kids really enjoy the opportunity to volunteer outside of school requirements and of their own accord,” says Meitzler. “A lot of them feel successful with the contributions they are making.”

24 24 | | GIVING GIVING BACK BACK | | Thursday, Thursday, November November 21, 21, 2019 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 24

11/7/19 11:58 AM

oc ccharities to support More o local in our community Casey’s Safe Haven

PO Box 103, Elburn caseyssafehaven.org

Casey’s Safe Haven Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is a holistic equine rescue. They welcome any equine – horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules – regardless of existing physical limitations and health, from animal control facilities, pony ride facilities, those retired from lesson programs, police force, and the race track, as well as healthy animals donated by loving owners who can no longer provide care.

Changing Children’s World Foundation 411 Stevens St., Geneva 630-909-9411 changingchildrensworlds.org

The Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation mission is for every child and adolescent to be supported in positive development by caregivers and professionals within loving, non-violent families and peaceful communities. Through parent groups and educational workshops we strive to promote a sense of community and foster empathy.

Embrace a Family embraceafamily.com

Embrace a Family provides single moms with tangible assistance in areas of need. Volunteers assist through food planning and recipes, creative

lunchbox ideas, coupon clipping, home and yard assistance and professional guidance such as career mentoring, debt counseling or budgeting help.

The Exchange Club of the Tri-Cities tcexchangeclub.com

For more than 30 years, men and women of the Tri-Cities area—St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia— have teamed up to serve their communities by embracing the Tri-Cities Exchange Club's main missions: prevention of child abuse, promotion of patriotism and recognition of student achievements. The Tri-Cities Exchange Club Foundation has donated money to numerous charitable organizations and causes through the years and has, on average, donated $20,000 per year to organizations.

Fox Valley Food for Health

630-709-2097 Foxvalleyfoodforhealth.org

Fox Valley Food for Health provides meals, cooked and prepared by teens and adult volunteers, to individuals and their families in our community who are diagnosed or going through treatment for cancer or other health crisis. Meals are primarily organic and provide critical nutrients to support recovery. Our Healthy Meals Program is free for 8-12 weeks and are prepared, cooked and packaged and delivered by volunteers, each week.

Greater St. Charles Education Foundation

P.O. Box 1366, St. Charles stced.org/foundation

The Greater St. Charles Education Foundation supports District 303 in reaching its goal of excellence in education through community awareness, involvement and philanthropy.

The Foundation secures contributions from residents, local businesses and corporations through a variety of fundraising activities and annually distributes these funds through program grants to administrators and faculty of Distract 303, educational honorariums and college scholarships.

Horse Power Therapeutic Riding 46W276 Rt. 38, Maple Park 815-508-0804 • HorsePowerTR.com

HorsePower harnesses the healing power of the horse as while providing creative, inspiring and challenging therapeutic horseback riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities.

Communication, connection, and teamwork between the student and their horse offers opportunities for physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory and social growth for groups and individuals served through the program at Fox Chase Farm.

Kiwanis

kiwanisofstcharles.org Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child

Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 25

KCC Giving Back.indd 25

11/7/19 11:58 AM

Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative

and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of St. Charles is dedicated to serving the local community through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been in service to our community for more than 50 years. We are part of Kiwanis International, an organization serving children for over 100 years.

1304 Ronzheimer Avenue St. Charles 331 228-4873

Lazarus House

214 Walnut St., St. Charles 630-587-2144 • lazarushouse.net Lazarus House helps people in need find the shelter, food and other support services they need to get back on their feet who are connected to Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and western rural Kane County. Lazarus House offers services and referrals to help those in need in our community, to prevent homelessness, and to support the wellbeing of individuals and their families; and help homeless persons return to independent living with the skills and habits needed for long-term success.

The Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative provides comprehensive and highly specialized programs for exceptional children, the staff who serve them, and the families who love them in the Batavia, Kaneland, Central, St. Charles and Geneva Community School Districts.

With the support of our families and the dedication of our staff, Mid-Valley strives to empower students to become independent, contributing members of their communities and foster and inspire life-long learning.

Not All Wounds Bleed 616 E. Main St., St. Charles 708-738-1557 notallwoundsbleed.com

Not All Wounds Bleed is a non-profit agency providing a centralized database of resources for PTSD patients, their families and friends, and raises awareness about what PTSD is and is not, including the stigma of PTSD being solely military related.

Tricity Family Services 1120 Randall Ct., Geneva 630-232-1070 tricityfamilyservices.org

Tricity Family Services has been Kane County’s leading provider of counseling and other mental health services to clients of all ages and all income levels since 1967. The team of professional therapists provides communities with counseling, family-based treatment for eating disorders, emotional wellness workshops and support groups and employee assistance programs.

TriCity Health Partnership

318 Walnut St., St. Charles 630-377-9277 tchpfreeclinic.org

Since 2001, Tri City Health Partnership has provided quality medical care to residents of central Kane County. This nonprofit organization is completely funded by grants and donations from the local community, such as private citizens, townships, trusts and foundations, service clubs, churches, charity groups, and fundraisers. In addition, local specialists volunteer to provide services to our patients free of charge in their private offices on a referral basis.

Spare Wheels has been providing transportation for the Fox Valley for almost 20 years.

You will find our Drivers follow the policy of Customer Service as our #1 priority

Corporate Transportation

Special Events

• Golf Outings/Picnics • Business Meetings • Trade Shows • Door to Door Service • O’Hare Airport • Midway Airport • Sporting Events • Groups of All Sizes

• Wedding Shuttles • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties • Receptions • Door to Door Services • To and From Receptions Hotels and Residences • Sporting Events • Pub Crawls • Golf Outings

Senior Citizens

• Group Outings • Dinners • Theatre • Shopping • Casino Outings • Community Events • Festivals • Craft Fairs • Art Shows

630-377-GOES (4637) • E-mail: pickmeup@sparewheels.com • www.sparewheels.com You Tell Us Where, We’ll Take You There!

MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE $25 OFF YOUR RESERVATION 26 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 26

11/7/19 11:58 AM

p o h s k r o W d e r e t l e h S y e l Val V

alley Sheltered Workshop is one of Batavia’s hidden gems. Despite being established for 53 years, many people are not aware of this great community asset. Valley Sheltered Workshop was established by Rev. Gilbert Johnstone, who was the leader of the Batavia Baptist Church. He decided to create the organization because of his disabled son, Bobbie. With the help of six prominent Batavia businessmen, Valley Sheltered Workshop opened on May 6, 1966 in collaboration with Furnas Electric, later known as Siemens. The goal of VSW was to employ students with disabilities who were aging out of the Batavia school system.

Starting with just four young men, they have since grown to employ 22 people who range from 25 to 60 years of age. Since a variety of Fox

Valley businesses provide work which requires hand assembly, VSW is able to match the right employee to each job according to their skill level. Examples of these jobs include collating, hand packaging, light assembly, mailers, labeling, heat sealing and more. Employees of VSW are able to work on small or large jobs and can even accommodate one-time jobs. Supervision

by VSW staff ensures the company’s quality standards are maintained during production.

Considering their employees are paid per piece they complete instead of an hourly rate, companies benefit from being able to reduce their overall expenses.

In order to support the services VSW provides to area businesses, they hold two major fundraisers each year. Their annual Pancake Breakfast is always held on the first Sunday in May. In

addition to the delicious breakfast, they also offer guests a cash drawing, a basket raffle, and a silent auction. Their second annual event is a Pig Roast held in October and hosted by Team FIB BBQ – well-known local pitmasters. All proceeds from these two events go to support the operation and maintenance of VSW, so they may continue to provide a safe and supportive work environment for their employees and their unique needs.

Valley Sheltered Workshop is located at 325 Main Street in Batavia and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. To see more of what they do, you can explore their website at WWW.VALLEYSHELTEREDWORKSHOP.ORG or stop by to see their employees in action – they do enjoy having visitors!

Sponsored by: MY ADVISOR & PLANNER, LLC Thursday, November 21, 2019 | GIVING BACK | 27

KCC Giving Back.indd 27

11/7/19 11:58 AM

Giving Back to Our Community When it comes to giving back to our community, we walk the walk.

Whether volunteering, fund raising, or managing your non-profit’s endowment, you can count on My Advisor & Planner.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

- Albert Einstein

630.457.4068 Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC). My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

File # 2792938.1

28 | GIVING BACK | Thursday, November 21, 2019

KCC Giving Back.indd 28

11/7/19 11:58 AM