Christmas In July Raises Matching Dollars for Women's Restorative Justice Program
Bells will be ringing at CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford IL, for our CHRISTMAS IN JULY fundraiser that will double the dollars for the Women's Restorative Justice Program "Shirley's Place Match Challenge." The two-day event is on Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th and The Salvation Army is looking for volunteer bellringers.
Last year the event raised $5,000, but we are hoping for ten times that amount this year as we have a generous donor that will match up to $25,000 at this event. That's a total of $50,000 and it's part of Shirley's Place Match Challenge.
On July 26th and 27th at CherryVale Mall, there will be two outdoor locations (in front of Barnes & Noble & Macy's) and three indoor locations (by the escalator district entrance lower level; food court lower level; and JC Penney side by the elevator upper level) for people to volunteer at. Each shift is two-hours long with an apron, bell and kettle provided by The Salvation Army. You bring the smile and wear the Hawaiian shirt!
Mid-West Family Broadcasting will be doing a live remote at the two-day event as our media sponsor and the DJs of the local stations will be competing in the Battle of the Bells for the best fundraising bellringer! Come support your favorite DJ by giving to their kettle. Locations and dates will be announced later this month.
The Women's Restorative Justice Program or Shirley's Place, as it is called after the Founder Chaplain Shirley Bartholomew, provides transitional housing for recently incarcerated and addicted women and their children. For up to two years, residents maintain an apartment, and receive case management, educational assistance, and financial guidance with the assistance of our nominal staff, a full-time case manager and a part-time case worker, a position funded by the Swedish American Foundation.
Over the past few years, Shirley's Place has lost over $100,000 in funding resources due to budget cutbacks. This one-of-a-kind program is a sustainable and much needed program for women returning to our community. The goal is to help them acclimate back into society and to restore family relationships. The successes are women finding gainful employment, finishing degrees and buying homes in Winnebago County.
Volunteers can signup NOW online at www.registertoring.com for the July 26th-27th dates or call Diane at 815-708-6433 for assistance.
Can't ring a bell? Then consider a donation to Shirley's Place Match Challenge at www.salarmywinnebago.org or send a check to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 4159, Rockford IL 61110.
Thank you for your support and for "Doing the Most Good" for others in Winnebago County.
