Congratulations to the October 2013 Recipients of $500 worth in FREE Promotional Products!

This organization helps match up elderly individuals or people with disabilities that need volunteers, with those who are willing and have the skills necessary to perform the volunteer work. The Volunteer Center recently added a year round project, Neighborhood Volunteer Connection, that coordinates the intergenerational group volunteers with those suffering from a disability or seniors who live alone. Their intent is to help people who otherwise might not be able to stay in their homes, who may be struggling to do the maintenance work needed or handle the yard work.

The volunteers have been raking leaves, washing windows, making homemade greeting cards to send out twice a year, shoveling snow, and stopping in to visit with those who are feeling isolated and depressed. They provide a safety kit to each person they visit with a variety of tools needed in case of emergency. By adding their logo and contact information to these items, they hope to find as many volunteers as possible, as well as connect with and help others in need.
www.volunteergb.org

The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) is a non-profit group committed to leading the forest products industry in sustainable forest management through advocacy, professionalism, services to members, education and training. GLPTA represents members in WI and MI for over 65 years who are loggers, truckers, sawmills, paper manufacturers, private and commercial forest landowners, forestry professionals and outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

Members of this group, the GLTPA, work in coalition with forest product businesses and equipment dealers to raise funds for their Log-A-Load program. Members ask businesses or individuals to donate the cost of a load of logs to help fund the seven local Children's Hospitals in WI and MI. These two hospitals are part of a group of 170 hospitals in the US who help sick and injured children of all ages, regardless of their affliction or ability to pay.

To raise additional funds, this group holds firewood and equipment auctions as well as educational events to introduce children to forestry science and modern day harvesting practices. In 2012 they raised almost $40,000 and overall have raised $836,000 for the hospitals. They have asked MARCO to provide an inexpensive tote bag and pencils for the children who attend their fundraising event to take home information to teach their family members and friends about the Log-a-Load event. To learn more about this exciting event or this non-profit group, please visit their website.
timberpa.com/association/charitable-work

Sisters Place was founded in 1993 by a group of 14 Catholic religious communities. They started out with 16 furnished apartments to help those in need of fair and affordable housing. The organization has grown over the years and now has 32 fully furnished homes.

This group was developed to address the needs of homeless families by helping them overcome obstacles. Programs are offered which promote education, family activities, and in home support services to help parents strengthen their parenting skills and improve family interactions.

There are two types of housing programs.

1) Transitional Housing Program

Single parents and their children can participate in this supportive housing program for up to two years. Priority is given to women between 18 and 35 years old. Eligible families may participate in the Transitional Program for a maximum of 1 - 2 years.

2) Permanent Housing Program

This program provides housing to single parents with physical or behavioral health disabilities, where they can enjoy the anonymity that comes with living in a larger development. Participants may remain in Sisters Place permanent housing indefinitely as long as they follow participant guidelines.

Those that attempt to enter into a housing agreement must receive a referral from a social service agency. Applicants need to participate fully in programming for themselves &/or their kids, and if they have a history of addictions, must have at least 6 months of clean time.

Child care services, transportation, afterschool care, cultural opportunities, parent education, and intensive care management services are offered. "Sisters Place" is a supportive housing community committed to assisting single parent families who are homeless in Southwestern PA. Their mission is to assist families toward self sufficiency by providing housing and supportive services. To learn more about this life saving organization, please see their website.
www.sistersplace.org

American Heritage Girls is a non-profit national group dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. The organization has a multilevel structure, which means girls from all levels comprise one troop and meet together on the same night. Girls between the ages of 5-18 are able to participate in badge work & a variety of age related activities. There are 5 levels that can be obtained if enough leaders and participants are available. They start with a Pathfinder level, and move to Tenderheart, Explorer, Pioneer, & Patriot.

The program emphasizes life skill enhancement, female leadership opportunities, character and social development and dedication to teamwork and building confidence. Spiritual development is accomplished through biblically based programs and religious recognition. American Heritage Girls is a confidence building and inspiring adventure that helps girls realize their potential and develop into responsible and successful women!

This local group has served their community by providing children's activities at area community fundraisers, work with and tutor underprivileged children, stock food pantry shelves, and bake cookies for &qupt;Cookies for Kairos Ministry". For more information on this inspiring group, please log on to their website.
ahg0226.myscoutlink.com