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.
GIRL SCOUTS THANK M.O.R.E. VOLUNTEERS
Girl Scouts say "thank you" to all the volunteers at M.O.R.E. and also leave some of their famous cookies for a special treat.
LITTLE PORTION
The Little Portion is adding a small program that supplies school children with socks. Students will receive new socks at the same time backpacks are distributed.
FOOD DONATION BOX
A food donation box is being placed inside Sullivan's Food Store. Sullivan's and M.O.R.E. are partnering to help fight hunger in Marengo and Union.
$2,500 WILCOX DONATION: AMERICA'S FARMERS GROW COMMUNITIES
Here at M.O.R.E., we depend on a great many contributions of food, clothing, cash and services in order to succeed. The cash comes in many sizes and all is welcomed. The following is one of those contributions that I would like to share.
Recently, M.O.R.E. received a $2,500 donation with a bit of a story to tell. Marty Wilcox was selected as the winner in McHenry County for America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Under this program, eligible farmers in 1,289 counties across 39 states, including Illinois, could enter to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit of their choice. Marty won and chose to direct this money to M.O.R.E.
The purpose of Grow Communities is to recognize and celebrate the important contributions farmers make to rural America, and to help them grow their communities by supporting local organizations that are important to them. More than 83,000 farmers across the country participated in the program this year, with a winning farmer selected in each county. Marty Wilcox presented the check to M.O.R.E. and Jan Perkins at the February Board of Directors meeting, along with Steve Bingham, a representative from Monsanto. We are grateful for the generosity of Marty and Monsanto.
M.O.R.E. BOARD THANKS VOLUNTEERS
More than sixty M.O.R.E. volunteers gathered for a luncheon at Marengo High School on Wednesday, September 25. The lunch, prepared by students of the third-year foods class, was followed by a short program put on by the program directors. They each summarized the past year and emphasized the importance that each volunteer plays in making the entire program the success that it is.
Guest speaker, Kati Beck from Veterans and Family Services in McHenry, talked about her experiences as a volunteer and her observations of the cooperative spirit of volunteering in Marengo. She praised those present for stepping up and showing others how to extend their hands toward making conditions a little better for fellow neighbors.
All those attending received tokens of appreciation including a day planner book, pen and inspirational card. Lucky individuals also won various prizes including: Revlon make-up, mugs and other great things.
Again, from all of us at M.O.R.E., we say 'thank you' to all of our 125 volunteers.
GARBAGE
Advanced Disposal is generously providing dumpsters and their services for garbage and recycling. The four yard dumpsters have taken away the strain when having to dispose of occasional large quantities. This has been a totally unexpected help to the M.O.R.E. Center and we are very thankful to the good people working for Advanced Disposal.
GOT MILK?
The M.O.R.E. Center is now having milk delivered to the pantry weekly from Muller. We are now able to give 1% milk to families on each visit. Large families will receive two gallons. This has come about due to financial support from donors, coordination and subsidizing from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and commitment from our Board. Thanks everyone for making this possible.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
Within the Emergency Financial Assistance program, two volunteers are working together to provide information to clients about employment opportunities, applications, forms, computer access and related information. They also refer clients to other agencies that can help them above and beyond what we do. This service is already seeing results with clients finding jobs and gaining confidence to help themselves. Thanks Lavonne and Sharon.
"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK
M.O.R.E. is excited to announce that we are now on Facebook. For up to the minute postings about time sensitive news, search The M.O.R.E. Center on Facebook and 'like' us. Information concerning events, closings, needs, etc. will be there when you need it. Try us out.
M.O.R.E. CENTER STAFF RECEIVE TRAINING
The M.O.R.E. Center has purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This a piece of equipment commonly found in public places. The purpose of the AED is to provide electrical assistance to the heart of a person that has stopped beating. Selected volunteers have received training in CPR and the use of the AED. Of course, we hope that this equipment goes unused, but it is good to know that it is there if the need ever arises.
NEW HARDWARE
The M.O.R.E. Center has purchased a large refrigerator with sliding glass doors. This will be used to store milk and dairy products and is located by the exit door for easy access. The $2,850 refrigerator was partially funded with a $750 Kraft Corporation grant.
The Little Portion area has had a face lift with more than 150 feet of clothes poles attached to the back wall. This enables the clothing to be displayed by sex and sizes with easy access. This is definitely a big improvement.