Spotlight on a Cause:
The I.D.E.A. Store
The I.D.E.A. Store provides Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding communities a marketplace to donate and buy reusable materials of all kinds for creative re-use. The Store is an entity of the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation, and all proceeds from the Store go to our local public schools.
Donations are accepted daily of high-quality clean and safe reusable goods to be resold in the Store, creating a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and conserving natural resources. The I.D.E.A. store’s items include just about anything from school supplies, arts and crafts supplies, and miscellaneous items, which are great for use in classrooms, Sunday schools, for art projects, for kids, inventors, and anyone looking to do something creative. Some ways you could help the I.D.E.A. store are by either donating items, making a monetary donation to the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation, or by donating your time. Volunteers are currently needed to greet guests, sort donated items, help price items, work the cash register, or to help with some of the many parties or workshops that the I.D.E.A. Store offers. You can learn more about the I.D.E.A. Store at http://the-idea-store.org/retail-store/. To volunteer, contact Claire Billing at Claire@the-idea-store.org.
Volunteers Needed:
Calling all Crocheters
Those who are crafty with crocheting are needed to help keep folks warm this winter. Year round, volunteers are needed to assist with crocheting hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets for infants, children, and adults alike to be distributed at Provena Hospital, the Salvation Army, and the Veteran’s Hospital, among other organizations. If you are crafty with a crochet needle and are interested in helping out, please contact Marsha at 359-6500 or at site.rsvp@gmail.com for more information on where help is needed.
Help Horses in Need with S.H.A.R.E.
SHARE (The Society for Hooved Animals Rescue and Emergency), is currently seeking volunteers to assist with care of rescued horses. Volunteers are needed every morning to refill waters and distribute hay and grain to approximately 35 rescue horses. After the horses have eaten, they are then walked to their pastures so they can spend the day outside. Volunteer shifts are generally managed through this web site: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/643913/login/. For more information on the program, go to http://www.s-h-a-r-e.net/.
Upcoming Events:
Coat the Community
Donate your old winter coats and help keep folks in need warm this winter! Coat drop off is Saturday, October 6 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the County Market Parking Lot, on the corner of Kirby and Duncan road in Champaign. For more information go to http://www.CoatTheCommunity.com.
Buddy Walk
The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network is hosting its annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 8 from 9:30 AM-2:30 PM at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. This event gives individuals the opportunity to interact with peers that have intellectual disabilities in a fun social setting. Registration is free and includes a variety of fun activities. The Walk will begin at noon followed by live entertainment and a raffle drawing. Register online at: www.champaigndsn.org.
Signature Chefs Auction
March of Dimes is hosting a Signature Chefs Auction of Central Illinois from 6-10 PM on Wednesday, October 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The event will include a gourmet tasting and live and silent auction that pays tribute to local chefs, restaurants and caterers. To purchase tickets, or for information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kristina Oncken-Cortez at (217)359-3730 or koncken@marchofdimes.com.
Disclaimer: I gather this information based on local community calendars and from colleagues at local service organizations. Some of the wording is based directly on what I receive and research. Please feel free to email me if you have any comments, questions, or have anything you would like to see posted. Thank you. (MER)