Holiday wish lists: Suggestions for local giving
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Many people plan their charitable giving near the end of the year, not only to take advantage of tax breaks, but to provide assistance to others during the holiday season.
The Peabody Gazette-Bulletin would like to encourage local giving in our communities. The organizations listed below responded to requests for information to be published in the newspaper.
Most groups can use monetary gifts, many can use specific items, and volunteers seem to be a popular request. If you plan to donate specific items, it would be a good idea to check with the group first to see if need for that item still exists. Phone numbers and contact names are included.
In Florence
Florence Police Department will be gathering cash, new toys, and food for needy families in that community. Donors may drop items by the city building or police department from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Police officers will accompany Santa Dec. 22 as he distributes the gifts. For more information contact Erik King at Florence city building, 878-4296.
Education
Peabody-Burns Elementary School teachers Shawna McCartney and Jennifer Young have requested a host of volunteers for their over-sized fourth grade class. "You have no idea how much we could use the help," said Young.
They would like volunteers willing to come into the classroom on a weekly basis to help individual students practice math facts, names and locations of states and capitals, or serve as "homework buddies." They need volunteers to listen or read to students and they would appreciate help with office-type duties (making copies, bulletin board displays, cutting letters or items for student projects, etc.). Interested individuals may contact Shawna McCartney or Jennifer Young at the grade school, 983-2188.
Sunshine Preschool provides Peabody youngsters with social opportunities and educational activities to help prepare them for elementary school. The program is under the guidance of a board of directors which hires staff and creates policy. Sunshine Preschool offers scholarships to the children of families who meet certain income guidelines. Donations also provide for extras not covered by tuition.
For more information or to make a donation contact board president Donna Glover at 983-2093 or Peggy Phillips, instructor, at 983-2051.
Community Service Involvement-Peabody/Burns is an organization of high school students interested in giving back to their communities. This group doesn't want money, it already has volunteers, and it isn't gathering "stuff." Instead the students want to give.
They are seeking projects in either community that can be done during free time during the school day, during vacation time, or on weekends.
They are willing to rake, do cleanup and fix-it projects, paint, make simple repairs, anything within their capability. Contact PBHS science teacher Ann Leppke who sponsors the group at the high school, 983-2196.
Youth
Cub Scouts, ages 6-11, have started once again in Peabody under the guidance of veteran scout leader Carol Smith. The pack meets once a week and currently has 21 members.
Smith would like volunteers and monetary assistance. Funds would help pay for supplies, uniform pieces for some of the boys, and camping equipment. Volunteers who would like to share their hobbies or interests with the youngsters also are needed.
"I'd like to have people who could teach the boys things like photography, gun safety, or fly tying," said Smith. "It needn't be limited to those things. Anything that would interest the kids and teach them something unique is helpful."
Smith also would like a volunteer to help with woodworking projects. The boys will be working on a pinewood derby after the first of the year and she would like someone to cut out pieces for the cars.
To make donations or volunteer contact Smith at 983-2475.
The HUB, Peabody's new youth center, is requesting funds and new merchandise to help them host a New Year's Eve party. Funds will help pay for entertainment and refreshments and merchandise will be offered as door prizes to the attendees. For more information contact Doe Ann Hague at 983-2776.
Peabody-Burns High School Student Council is helping the Harvey County Domestic Violence shelter for the fourth year. The group gathers supplies to donate to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students have been accepting items since Nov. 27 and the deadline for donations is Friday. To make a monetary donation or find out what items the shelter needs call Annette Elliott, student council sponsor, at the high school, 983-2196.
Community
Peabody Christmas light committee sees to it the community retains its lighted skyline during the holiday season. With all the buildings outlined it white lights, the committee has begun adding ground displays and has a plan for decorations on the light poles. Donated funds pay for installation and maintenance.
Peabody residents may choose to have an amount (as small as $1 a month) added to their water bill to help pay for the lights. Memorial money also has been donated. For more information or to make a donation contact Stephanie Ax at the city building, 983-2174.
Peabody Historical Society preserves and promotes the history of the community and the surrounding area. It is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible. Monetary donations help support the museum complex at Walnut and Division. The group also would like volunteers to help with special promotions and projects. "And we are always on the lookout for items that relate to Peabody's history," said Marilyn Jones. "Any photos, diaries, letters, or anything that is related to the community's past." For more information or to make a donation contact Marilyn Jones at 983-2815.
Peabody Fourth Celebration Society hosts the annual July 4th celebration.
"We can always, always, always use volunteers," said member Kristi Silvernale. "Donations help defray the cost of the fireworks and they are always welcome. It costs between $15,000 and $20,000 to put on the show each year, so sponsors for the aerials and set pieces are important to the survival of the celebration."
To volunteer or make a cash contribution contact Silvernale at 983-2589 or Brian or Lisa McDowell at 983-2550.
Peabody Township Library is in need of specific items that could be donated by residents.
"We do have a wish list," said board member Pam Lamborn. "Cash donations can be made for specific memorial gifts or for general upkeep and they are always appreciated."
Other items the library board and staff could use are: snow shovel, containers to store and/or dispense ice treatment, earphones and speakers for computers, file cabinet, board games, puzzles, bulletin board, educational CD-ROMS, equipment for "Kid's Listening Center" (CD and cassette players, earphones, speakers, pillows, colorful paintings or posters, lighting system, place to put equipment), electrical work, color laser printer, DVD player(s), and a movie projector.
For more information or to make a donation contact Pam Lamborn, 983-2600.
Peabody American Legion Post 95 has created a lighted display of American flags that fly at Prairie Lawn Cemetery each Memorial Day weekend. Monetary donations always are needed to keep the display updated.
In addition, the Legion post took over the former Kiwanis job of hanging flags on the street lights on Walnut Street for Veteran's Day, July 4th, and Memorial Day. The flags are currently in good shape, but there is no money to replace them as they become worn. The Legion would appreciate financial support to replace the flags as needed.
To contribute to either the Avenue of Flags or the downtown flags, send donations to American Legion, c/o John Topham, 306 N. Walnut, Peabody, Kansas, 66866. Be sure to note on your check which flag fund you are supporting.
Peabody Senior Center is funded almost entirely by donations, rent for use of the building, quilt making, and the annual sale of peppernuts. "Many people think the center is funded by the government," said Joan Berns. "However, only the food and the salaries of the cook and the site manager are paid for. Members pay for their meals and that money goes back to the government. All other expenses must be met by those who use the center."
Utilities, insurance, maintenance, services like pest control and repairs are the responsibility of the members.
The center would gladly accept monetary donations.
"Another thing we could use," said Berns, "is new members. Right now the majority are in their 80s. Some are in their 90s. More younger folks are needed to keep the center functioning."
For more information or to volunteer at the senior center, contact them at 983-2226.
Peabody Main Street would accept donations, volunteers, and ideas for promotions and projects. The organization has 501(c)3 status, making all monetary donations tax exempt.
Volunteers are needed to help board members staff various committees that support the Main Street four-point approach. Those groups are design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring.
"Ideas for promoting the community and projects to enhance the downtown area are always welcome," said president Mary Avery. "Many of the best ideas have come from the public."
To make a donation, get more information, or volunteer contact Main Street director Kristen Hooper at 983-2174.
