Spotlight on a Cause:
Eastern Illinois Foodbank
Since 1983, the Eastern Illinois Foodbank has strived to alleviate hunger in our area. The Foodbank works with smaller local entities-food pantries, churches, schools, mobile programs, etc., by providing food and resources to distribute for their programs. Over the years, the Foodbank has grown to distribute 6 million (plus) pounds of food annually and the supplies reach more than 100,000 people visiting 220 agencies each year.
Volunteers can help at the Foodbank in a variety of ways. First, volunteers working in groups are needed to help repack dry goods for distribution at the Foodbank. Volunteers are also needed to spread awareness about Foodbank programs and about initiatives such as the SNAP Program. Tech-savvy volunteers can be used in the office to aid with web design. Finally, dedicated volunteers are needed to assist with Foodmobiles by distributing food via vehicle to outlying areas.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Foodbank, please contact Kristen Costello at volunteer@eifoodbank.org. More information about the Foodbank, how you can volunteer, and ways to alleviate hunger in our area can be found at http://eifoodbank.org/.
Volunteers Needed:
PACE, Inc.
PACE, Inc. helps those with disabilities to live independently and take control of their lives. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks here. For instance, volunteers are needed to be advocates for PACE by handing out flyers, talking to groups and the media, having booths at fairs, etc. Volunteers are also needed to help folks with disabilities by driving them, helping them go shopping, offering legal advice, teaching them cooking skills, etc. Volunteers who are crafty or tech savvy are also needed in the office and to help with design work. For a full list of volunteer opportunities and how to volunteer, go to http://pacecil.org/volunteer.html. For more information email Alan at alan@pacecil.org.
Girl Scouts of America
There are many ways to volunteer with the Girl Scouts-either working directly or indirectly to make an impact on young girls’ lives. Volunteers who are looking to make a direct impact and are interested in gaining leadership skills are needed to become Troop Leaders and help seasonally at Girl Scout camps. Volunteers with special skills or talents are also encouraged to share with the scouts and/or to assist in helping set up special events for them. Volunteers are also needed to help spread awareness about what the Scouts are doing, online and in the community. To contact the local Chapter, the Green Meadows Girl Scouts Council, call 328-5112 or find our more information at http://www.girlscouts.org/.
Upcoming Events:
Corkscrew Gala Wine Tasting Event for the Orpheum Science Museum
The Corkscrew Gala Wine Tasting to be held at the Urbana Civic Center on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Guest may choose from more than 100 different wines with Corkscrew staff on board to help answer questions. All proceeds benefit the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. Tickets are $20 each, and are available at the event, Corkscrew, and at www.orpheumkids.com.
Step Out Walk for Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s Step out Walk for Diabetes will be this Sunday, October 2 at Hessel Park, with registration beginning at 9 AM and the Walk beginning at 10 AM. Join 130,000 walkers in 40 states to help find a cure for Diabetes. Join the ADA in making a difference to the 25.8 million Americans who suffer from this deadly disease. To pledge or sign up as a walker, go here: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/GreaterIllinoisArea?pg=entry&fr_id=7850.
7th Annual ACE Awards Presented by 40 North
The ACE Awards will be held at the Canopy Club on October 4th at 5:30pm. The Awards honor the efforts of local community leaders who enrich the culture of Champaign County through creativity and hard work. All are invited to join in order to honor these individuals. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/40North/OnlineDonation.html.
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)