NEWS AND EVENTS
The M.O.R.E. Center is constantly busy with events and activities focused on the Marengo/Union community. We are proud to showcase past and upcoming events (see in the news page and below) and extend our invitation to you to attend a M.O.R.E. event.
SALVATION ARMY & M.O.R.E. TEAM UP WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES
The M.O.R.E. Center was abuzz on Monday, August 11, with 88 children receiving back packs and school supplies. Thanks to the Salvation Army and local donations, our neediest children will be starting school with most of the classroom supplies requested by the schools and they get to carry them in style. Mary Ann Kawall, our Salvation Army Extension Director, and Chris Botts were delighted in watching the excited children waiting to receive their supplies, including tooth brushes.
The children’s parents also received a M.O.R.E. voucher of twenty-five dollars to Levin’s Shoes and Dry Goods. The voucher is to be used for the purchase of gym shoes or gym clothes. Thanks Bob Levin.
All of us at the M.O.R.E. Center want to thank the Salvation Army volunteers, Prairie Community Bank, Levin’s, and many citizens for their participation in our back to school program.
HOLD YOUR BREATH!!!
Now that we have your attention, we want to let you know that we are hoping to get a new walk-in freezer with the partial help of a Jewel-Osco Grant. This highly competitive grant of $2500 is part of $250,000 being awarded to food distribution agencies in the three large food banks in the Chicagoland area, including our Northern Illinois Food Bank. The proposed walk-in will be 8’ x 8’ at a cost of nearly $8800 and will replace four of our six chest freezers. Donations toward this project are being accepted (see Donations page).
5K RUN/WALK BRINGS BOOST IN FOOD
Two very special young ladies, Ellen Borhart and Katharine Shadle, sponsored a 5K run/walk on Saturday, July 12. A total of 107 participants crossed the finish line on that beautiful morning which followed a torrential storm the night before. Ellen and Katharine were outstanding with the careful planning and implementation of the event. As part of their Girl Scout program, they worked with city officials and many volunteers. Each participant brought at least two food related items for M.O.R.E. and received a shirt commemorating the day.
The Board of Directors of M.O.R.E. wishes to express our thanks, not only to Ellen and Katharine, but also to the numerous sponsors, city council, Marengo police, Marengo-Union Rescue Squad, and the many volunteers stepping forward and making the event a total success. Most, if not all, of the runners or walkers had a great time, and M.O.R.E. received 573 pounds of food items to help in stocking the shelves.
FUNDRAISERS A HUGE SUCCESS
Marengo area OutReach Enterprises (M.O.R.E.) has been very active during the last two months raising funds to lower the debt of the M.O.R.E. Center. The most recent venture was the Fay’s Barbeque Pork Chop and Chicken dinner held at M.C.H.S. on July 11. Thanks to the generous support of the Marengo-Union community, M.O.R.E. raised about $10,000 with the dinner, raffle and golf outing which will put us ahead of schedule concerning the mortgage. We especially want to thank Norenne Dunker and her mighty army of volunteers and extended family. Thank you also to M.C.H.S., Dean Worrell, our Board of Directors and the many individuals stepping forward to help.
U.S.P.S. FOOD DRIVE
The May 10th U.S.P.S. food drive brought in near record amounts of food. This year, most routes were covered and the results were 2,500 pounds.
Thanks everyone!
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
The annual Scouting For Food drive was held on March 1. A “complete success” is the best way to sum up the results. With over 100 volunteers stapling bags, driving routes, sorting, counting, weighing and stacking food, cooking lunch, and then cleaning up, this facility was buzzing.
The food pantry is stuffed with over 15,000 items weighing more than 12,000 pounds. The M.O.R.E. Center food pantry counts on the scout drive to provide about half of the annual food. We want to thank the leaders for their spirited dedication to our cause and, of course, the scouts.
VOLUNTEERS RECEIVED TRAINING
The day that the M.O.R.E. Center opened, we went from a small pantry with a few volunteers to an agency of more than 40 volunteers. We have been flying by the seat of our pants for six months, learning what works and what does not work.
On February 27, the volunteers met to formally be indoctrinated into the M.O.R.E. Center procedures. They received a Volunteers Manual and listened to Bob Botts and their program directors explain the importance of confidentiality, punctuality, dignity and respect, safety and specific functions relating to their area. Volunteers also were able to share ideas and problem solve. We hope to continue meeting about twice a year.
View the Volunteer Page to learn more about volunteering at M.O.R.E.
FUNDRAISERS SET TO REDUCE BUILDING DEBT
The Board of Directors has established several annual events to ensure the elimination of the building debt within five years. Currently, we owe $55,000.
June 10, 2008: Our Second Annual Golf Outing at Blackstone Golf Club. Enjoy a day at Blackstone and help us out at the same time. Tickets can be purchase for $100. This includes a cart and bag lunch. Call Sandy Butenschoen at Century 21, (815) 568-8093.
July 13, 2008: Our annual Fay’s Barbeque Pork Chop and Chicken Fundraiser at MCHS. This is any easy way to help us and you still can receive an excellent meal. Tickets are $10. See any Board member for your ticket.
Raffle tickets are also available for $50. This has been a good fundraiser for us the last two years. First prize is $1,500, second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $500. Winning tickets will be drawn at the end of the Fay’s Dinner.
View the Calendar of Events for additional M.O.R.E. Center scheduled activities.