United Way of Greater St. Louis News & Events

Missouri First Lady Georganne Nixon is featured speaker at Women’s Leadership lunch (St. Louis Post Dispatch)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:26:49 GMT

By Deb Peterson

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

November 6, 2009

WINNING WOMEN: About 100 women listened to Missouri’s First Lady, Georganne Nixon, thank them for their strength, determination, leadership and deep purses at the Women’s Leadership “Thank You,” lunch on Thursday at Tony’s Restaurant.

The lunch was to show appreciation for those in theUnited Way’s Women’s Society who make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more to the organization.

The society, which includes more than 2,000 women, pledged to raise $5.1 million for the United Way this year. They’re past the $4 million mark and the campaign runs through Thursday so the women expect to meet their goal.

The overall goal for the 2009 United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign is to raise $66.5 million. More than $60 million is in the coffers now, Carrie Zukoski, PR director for the United Way, said today.

Debra Hollingsworth is the chair this year of the Women’s Society. The group was founded by Ellen Sherberg in 1996 and has raised nearly $45 million since then.

Peggy Lents and Whitney Kenter co-chaired the luncheon.

Among those who were being celebrated: Merry Mosbacher, Suzie Andrews, Dorothy McMurtry, Jan Holloway, Adrian Bracey, Kathy Osborn, Valerie Patton, Cassandra Sanford, Cheryl Andrews and Cheryl Polk.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/deb-petersons-breaking-schmooze/uncategorized/2009/11/missouri-first-lady-georganne-nixon-is-featured-speaker-at-womens-leadership-lunch/

Southwest Illinois thank you reception

Kate Kromann — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:19:52 GMT

Guide to life: Scout leader passes down skills (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:01:51 GMT

The Telegraph

October 28, 2009

Being a Boy Scout always has been just another part of life for Russ Leggett.

In the fifth grade, Leggett became a Boy Scout with Troop 106 at Lady Queen of Peace Church in Bethalto. He went on to become an Eagle Scout in 1961 and participated with an Explorer Troop until he turned 18. After that, he became the assistant scoutmaster for Troop 101 until he was drafted in the military at age 21.

"The Boy Scouts is just a great organization because it guides boys into manhood," said Leggett, who has remained with Troop 101 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto for nearly 40 years. "They learn so many skills that may help them determine what they want to do later in life."

In the military, Leggett was sent to Europe, where he served as an assistant scoutmaster for a troop in Germany with the Transatlantic Council.

When he arrived back in the United States, he once again became involved with Troop 101. He has remained there ever since, except for the four or five years when he took a break to go to college.

"These boys are learning so many different things through Scouting such as canoeing, backpacking, mechanics, electricity and even architecture," Leggett said. "And it's just a better environment than sitting at home in front of a computer."

Leggett's two sons went through the Scouting program and also became Eagle Scouts, along with two grandsons. He said another grandson, who is a part of Troop 101, also is close to becoming an Eagle Scout.

His wife of 41 years, Aileen, plays a large support role with his troop. Leggett and his wife serve on the executive council for the Piasa Bird District.

Leggett offers Scouts an unusual experience by helping them earn their horsemanship merit badge when they come to the Warren Levis Boy Scout Camp in Godfrey in the summer.

"Some of these boys have never even been around a horse," Leggett said. "And I educate them on how to totally take care of a horse, ride them properly and handle them on the ground."

Since 2000, Leggett has been teaching horsemanship at the camp every year. Prior to that, he taught it to the Scouts for a couple years in the 1980s and a couple years in the 1990s.

"It gives them the opportunity to see if they are interested in horses," he said.

Several of those Scouts have goneon to have careers involving horses, such as one young man who went on to become a National Quarter Horse judge for horse shows.

"I'm just trying to show them how fun it is to be around horses," Leggett said.

Boy Scouts of America-Lewis and Clark Council is one of the 42 agencies funded by the Southwest Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. United Way funds help the agency's Comprehensive Youth Development Program and ScoutReach.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/leggett-32289-troop-scouts.html

October news in El Mundo Latino

Kate Kromann — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:25:08 GMT

Check out pages 3, 8 and 19 for information about United Way and the Multicultural Leadership Society!

http://www.elmundolatino.us/smalloctubremel.pdf

Mid-campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis has raised $45.1 million toward its $66.5 million goal of helping people

Kate Kromann — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:20:05 GMT

United Way media release

October 20, 2009

In the St. Louis Business Journal:http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/10/19/daily16.html#
In the St. Louis American:http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2009/10/22/news/local_news/localnews04.txt

United Way is reporting it has raised $45.1 million toward its goal of $66.5 million to help people in the greater St. Louis region. The campaign will close on November 12.

“The dollar goal simply represents the amount of help and support we can provide to people in our community,” said Hugh Grant, 2009 United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign chair and president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “Our real goal is to help people in need. As of today we’re at nearly 68 percent of our goal, which emphasizes the generosity of the people of this region.”

Grant continued to say, “We are seeing a very generous and giving attitude in the community even in this economy. We believe this is because the needs are so obvious this year as everyone knows someone who is impacted by the economy and needs help–many for the first time in their lives. Our major challenge this year is that although people are being generous, some people who have given in the past are unable to because they need help this year. For example, calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 help line for basic needs–food, utilities and the like–are up more than 20 percent from a year ago. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

That’s where United Way comes in. With the funds from its campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis is able to invest more than $1 million each week in this region to help people through a network of nearly 200 local health and human service agencies it helps fund.

“Eighty five percent of agencies United Way funds have reported an increase in demand for services this year–agencies like St. Louis Area Foodbank that helps more than 500 food pantries in the area keep food on their shelves,” Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way said. “Those agencies and the people they help rely on United Way for continued support. A gift to United Way means seniors will find assistance to stay in their homes; parents will have a safe place for their children to go after school and families will have a place to get food. We are optimistic about the campaign despite the challenges because we know that we live in an extremely caring and generous community,”

To lend a hand and give a gift to United Way to help more than 1 million people in this community, please go online towww.stl.unitedway.orgor call 314-539-4101. To find resources if you’re in need, please call 2-1-1 from a land line or 800-427-4626 or go online towww.211missouri.org orwww.211southwestillinois.org.

Lincoln County children 5 and under can now receive free books, thanks to Imagination Library (Lincoln County Journal)

Kate Kromann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:19:47 GMT

By Ashley Christopher

Lincoln County Journal

October 13, 2009

Since 1996, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has provided children under the age of five who may not otherwise have books with age-appropriate reading. Now, the children of Lincoln County have the opportunity to get their first book: The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.

Launched last Monday at Eagle Fork Pumpkin Patch in Moscow Mills, the county's Imagination Library will allow for more than 2,000 children living in the Lincoln County R-III school district to receive a new book each month.

"We are very excited to have the program in our district to help our children increase literacy before coming into Kindergarten," said Troy Superintendent Terry Morrow.

The program was originally launched by Parton to provide books to children living in poverty, as reading skills have been found to be strongly linked to income.

According to United Way, only 4 percent of American adults with strong reading skills are poor. In Lincoln County, more than 11 percent of families with children age five and under live below the poverty line. Around the country, nearly two-thirds of low-income children have no books at home. The library sets out to change this fact.

Although the program is aimed at low-income families, all kids can receive the books regardless of family income or the number of children in their household.

Each month, a new book will be delivered to the home of each child enrolled in the program via the U.S. Postal Service. Each age group has a different series of books that have characteristics specifically aimed at that certain age.

For example, children in the age one group will receive books focusing on things like vision, touch, rhyme and rhythm, and that are simple with minimal text.

At the launch at Eagle Fork, representatives of United Way of Greater St. Louis and partner organizations talked to parents and children about Imagination Library. United Way presented a $25,000 mock check to the Troy school district representing their sponsorship of the program in the district. This grant allows United Way to ensure all eligible children in the program will receive books.

The cost per child in the program is under $30 a year.

United Way is committed to promoting literacy among children. In May of this year, the worldwide organization formed a partnership with the Imagination Library to help reduce the nation's high school dropout rate. Currently, the library is partnered with 140 United Way branches across the country.

Nationwide, more than 950 communities have adopted the Imagination Library, giving nearly 5.5 million books to more than 496,000 children. The nearest communities to Lincoln County with Imagination Libraries are Montgomery County and Bowling Green.

http://www.lincolncountyjournal.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=17&idarticle=3455

League of her own: CEO seeks to uplift disadvantaged (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:32:14 GMT

The Telegraph

October 17, 2009

The Madison County Urban League is constantly on the mind of its President/CEO Brenda Walker-McCain.

"It's a 24-hour, seven-day a week commitment for me," said Walker-McCain, who has been with the agency for 36 years.

"I love my community and I love helping people," Walker-McCain said. "This position allows me the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of the services we are providing to so many people."

Through the years, Walker-McCain has served in a variety of positions with the agency and then was finally named CEO in 2007. In the mid-1980s, Walker-McCain was named the agency's interim president, a role she would be named to four more times before she decided to actually apply for the position in 2005.

"I've experienced every work aspect of the MCUL," she said. She came to the Urban League in 1973 as a program assistant and has worked with the agency's housing, education, health care and employment programs.

"This experience allowed me to better comprehend what the organization was doing and where it needed to go in the future in order to help more people, expand its programs and continue to grow and develop with the times," she said.

The people who have come back over the years to thank the staff at the Urban League for helping them is sometimes reward enough for Walker-McCain.

"The money has never been an issue, but it can be emotionally distressing when dealing with people in crisis situations," she said. "But I'm truly satisfied when people tell us how much we've helped better their lives and this is enough to continue our efforts."

The role of CEO takes on many personalities, such as being an ambassador in the community and an advocate for the community, Walker-McCain said.

"It's a very multi-faceted role," she said. "You have to remain connected to the people you serve. It's a necessity to personally connect with the people and it motivates me to continue providing quality service."

The mission of the Madison County Urban League is to assist African Americans and disadvantaged persons to achieve social and economic equality.

The Urban League and its mission have a special place in Walker-McCain's heart.

"I love what we're all about and what we stand for in the community," she said. "I am proud to be a part of this organization."

Madison County Urban League is one of the 42 agencies funded by the Southwest Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. United Way funds support the agency's housing and employment programs, after-school tutoring program, financial literacy/budget counseling and discretionary dollars from United Way programs.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/mccain-31988-people-walker.html

United Way donations steady in St. Louis despite national downturn (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Kate Kromann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:54 GMT

By Jane Coaston

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

October 17, 2009

Despite national trends that indicate a decrease in charitable giving this year, United Way of Greater St. Louis is reporting that gifts to its current campaign are close to last year's numbers.

Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said as of Friday that the organization had raised $42.1 million, or 63 percent of the goal of $66.5 million. That level is on pace with donations last year, he said.

"Everyone knows someone in their family, someone in their neighborhood, someone around them who they know is personally challenged by the economy," Dollar said. "People are seeing that and saying that they'll step up and help."

Nationally, charitable private giving has decreased since 2007. The Association of Fundraising Professionals reported on Oct. 15 that over half of charities polled informally reported a decrease in donations.

Sally Fabens, director of public relations for United Way Worldwide, said private donations were down 5 percent in 2008, compared with 2007. She said it's too early to count donations in 2009 because fundraising campaigns in many cities are just beginning.

Fabens said the organization has seen an increase in volunteerism. "Even before the economic downturn deepened, we had been finding a growing trend in people wanting to be more involved in making a difference — not just giving a donation but truly being engaged in the work," she said.

In St. Louis, the majority of private giving to United Way comes from corporations.

Dollar said two-thirds of the money United Way raises comes from workplace campaigns, with around a third coming from individuals.

"We believe that if people know the needs, if you can help them understand how United Way is how the community comes together and is effective and efficient, this community really responds," he said.

Nationally, Fabens said, United Way Worldwide has developed new strategies to assist more of those in need and give people opportunities to give. For instance, the United Way Financial Stability Partnership, works to help individuals and families achieve financial independence through partnerships with Bank of America and Walmart. United Way has also created a three-digit dialing number, 2-1-1, that people can call to get or offer help.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/8975291286455A16862576510081B989?OpenDocument

The United Way's annual campaign is underway (KSDK video)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:34:18 GMT

Heidi Glaus

KSDK

October 14, 2009

The United Way helps close to 200 agencies in the St. Louis area, and right now, the United Way is in the middle of its big fundraising campaign.

The goal is to raise $66.5 million.

This morning, NewsChannel 5's Heidi Glaus learned about one of the agencies that benefits from that money.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank has been in operations since 1975 and helps feed more than 60,000 people each week.

Learn more about the Foodbank by watching Heidi's interview and watch a cooking demonstraiton using ingredients you can find at the foodbank.

Recipe for Savory Bread Pudding

Pre heat oven at 350 degrees

4 cans Chicken breast (5 oz) drained (reserve liquid for pumpkin soup)
15 White dollar rolls
3 cans Green beans (14.5 oz) drained (reserve liquid for pumpkin soup)
2-3 Green apples, diced
2 Eggs
1 cup Cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for ½ hour to 45 minutes.

Recipe for Pumpkin Soup

1 can Pumpkin (29 oz)
1 cup Cream
3 cup Liquid from chicken breast and green beans. Add more water if necessary
Salt, pepper and cinnamon to taste

Mix all ingredients and simmer over a slow flame till evenly heated.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=187360

United Way donations help Goodwill reach out to less fortunate (KSDK video)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:32:08 GMT

Art Holliday

KSDK

October 14, 2009

The United Way hopes to raise more than $66 million to help our community this year. But have you ever wondered how your donation helps?

"It's no joke to me. A year ago I couldn't dream that I would be happy again," said Frank Bluett, a client at Mers Goodwill. "And it's because of them."

Bluett gets emotional when he talks about the impact Goodwill employees have had on his life.

He could just as easily be talking about the people who routinely donate to Goodwill, like Lindsay Callahan.

"It makes me feel good about what I'm doing and giving back to the community and helping people less fortunate to myself," Callahan said.

The clothing and household goods you donate are sold nationally in 2,300 Goodwill retail stores, like this one in south county. The revenue is used for education and career services.

Mers Goodwill career centers offer services to people looking for employment. That's where Frank Bluett turned for help after losing his job.

"I was at my former employer for over three decades and when the facility closed, suddenly I didn't have a job," Bluett said.

"We have job coaches, we have job developers, every person who comes to us gets a battery of tests including psychological tests and hand-to-eye coordination, so we really know that we're going to fit someone into a job that's just right for them," said Lewis Chartock, Goodwill President/CEO.

Bluett acquired skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

"We had mock interviews, we had various homework assignments, and it was intense to say the least," Bluett said.

After two years of unemployment, Bluett was retrained and hired by a local insurance company.

Every year, Mers Goodwill prepares thousands of people to enter the workforce through its employment and rehabilitation services.

If you would like more information about how Goodwill can help you or you would like information on volunteering, please call our Hero Central hotline at 314-969-8655.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=187438

Agency helps kids cope when their parents divorce (KSDK video)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:30:14 GMT

Jennifer Blome

KSDK

October 14, 2009

The United Way campaign is well underway in St. Louis, with a goal of $66 million.

Your donation will help almost 200 agencies in our community. One of those agencies is Kids in the Middle, which helps parents move from oppositional parenting to co-parenting.

Eight-year-old Nicholas Whitaker is a happy, well-adjusted child of divorced parents, thanks to time spent in play therapy provided by Kids in the Middle.

"Kids have trouble expressing their feelings and often we'll see that in a behavior change. Either they will withdraw or they'll act up and fight and stuff, so when we're doing play therapy, we give them a way to learn how to express those feelings," said therapist Amanda Moeller.

Kids in the Middle serves about 1,500 children every year.

"One of the things we help children do in the six months or eight months they're here is to come to terms with the fact that the family has changed," said Judy Berkowitz, Executive Director of Kids in the Middle. "They still have mom and dad, they have two families that are still there, but are in different houses."

If you would like information about Kids in the Middle or other United Way agencies, please call our Hero Central hotline at 314-969-8655. The hotline is open to those who need help or want to volunteer.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=187440

Author's message prompts Three Cups of Caring campaign (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:43:50 GMT

By Kathie Bassett

The Telegraph

October 13, 2009

Stirred by Nobel Prize nominee Greg Mortenson's belief that everyone can make a difference, Alton Mayor Tom Hoechst and other city officials partnered with the United Way to initiate a community-wide call to volunteerism.

Hoechst introduced The Three Cups of Caring campaign to the community following Mortenson's appearance Friday at Hatheway Hall on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. A Caring Guide distributed to those who attended the event offered suggestions on ways to become more involved.

"The volunteer opportunities are taking shape," Hoechst said. "I hope residents will take Mr. Mortenson's message to heart and volunteer to improve our community."

Mortenson spoke to area fourth-graders, as well as the public, about his efforts to help build schools for children in remote Pakistani and Afghani villages. The author believes that education not only empowers the children in these remote areas but that his efforts also have promoted interest in volunteerism in this country.

The humanitarian shared the rousing story of a youngster who became involved in "Pennies for Peace" and then started his own nonprofit agency; this 8-year-old Florida boy founded The Little Red Wagon Foundation in 2005 to help homeless children. Last year, he raised $700,000 by walking across the United States.

"After listening to Greg Mortenson's inspirational story, our only hope is that other people will be spurred to help right here in their own community," said Jennifer Hasamear, communications specialist with the United Way. "And whether it's coaching a youth sports team or delivering meals to the homebound, we want people to understand that we truly do believe that anyone can make a difference, and all it takes is having the desire to do so."

In conjunction with Hayner Public Library, the United Way sold copies of Mortenson's books to be signed by the author after his presentations. United Way volunteers and staff members were on hand to pass out Caring Guides and answer questions regarding signing a Caring Contract.

"'Three Cups of Tea' touched my heart," said John Dunphy of Godfrey, who signed a Caring Contract. "(Mortenson) is making a difference for the better in this world. I want to help support his work, and I want to get involved here, too. If we can make a difference anywhere, we can make a difference everywhere."

The Caring Contract was developed as a way to encourage people to commit to volunteering their time - whether weekly, biweekly or monthly - to an organization of their choosing for a year. Upon completion of the contract, the city of Alton will recognize the participants individually for their accomplishments.

"We handed out over 90 of the Caring Guides on Friday," Hasamear said. "We have had a lot of interest in the program, and a lot of people said they were going to go to the Web site and look at the Caring Guide there."

With all the interest leading up to the event, the United Way's Missy Churchman said that a number of people already have signed up, and that she hopes more still will be inspired to do so.

"Ordinary people like myself want to do something, but we don't know how," said Karen Grigg of Godfrey, who also signed a Caring Contract. "That's why I came today."

For more information about the United Way's Caring Contracts, please visithttp://www.stl.unitedway.org/threecups.aspx.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/caring-32022-way-alton.html

Serving on allocations panel was eye opener for volunteer (Suburban Journals)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:37:15 GMT

Suburban Journals

October 14, 2009

Hundreds of experienced community volunteers spend countless hours every year deciding how to distribute donations to charities funded through the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

For Janine Luehmann, with G.C.S. Federal Credit Union, this was her first year serving on a Community Investment panel for the Tri-Cities Area Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. She said it was an extremely enlightening experience that helped her gain a better understanding of the United Way and what it does.

"When you sit on one of those panels, you're there to hear about what that particular organization did that year and their plans for the upcoming year," Luehmann said. "These agency directors come to these meetings with presentations that are not only filled with the information we need to know, but with every emotion from enthusiasm to sadness."

Each panel consists of community volunteers who participate in a site visit of a given number of agencies and are provided with materials from the agency regarding what they have done in the previous year and the funding amount they are seeking for the upcoming fiscal year. Then the volunteers are tasked with reviewing the agency's programs and budgets and making a recommendation for their funding level.

"The Community Investment volunteers are representatives of our community and are responsible for making sure each of these agencies are using the funds they receive responsibly and continue to serve the people of this community," said Ryan Robertson, 2009 community investment chair for the Tri-Cities Area Division.

Prior to her involvement with the Community Investment panel, Luehmann said she had little knowledge of what the United Way did. She said she realized later that she too had been helped by United Way since her children were a part of the Latchkey program through the YMCA in the schools.

"When our CEO Mark Holshouser asked for volunteers, I thought it was time to get involved and learn more about the organization," she said.

During one of the site visits to the Joe W. Roberts Youth Club, Luehmann said one volunteer's words have since stuck with her.

"As I was leaving, one of the volunteers told me that she works there because sometimes that's the only few hours of love that many of those children receive," she said. "Before being a part of the allocations process, I had no idea how many agencies needed help, how any of them received it or even how they got the help they needed. It's been a huge eye-opener for me."

Volunteers are the backbone of the United Way, said Missy Churchman, Illinois region vice president for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

"These volunteers review each of these agencies to ensure they are demonstrating the high quality standards and results," Churchman said.

For more information about how to volunteer with the Community Investment panels with the United Way, call 618-251-0072.

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/10/14/monroe/life/1014gcj-uwluehmann.txt

Pizza parties for those who give like a rock star (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:20:56 GMT

By Jill Moon

The Telegraph

October 13, 2009

The United Way wants children to learn early the importance of giving.

The United Way program, Give Like a Rock Star, for students in kindergarten through eighth grade prompted Alton School District youngsters to give money to the Illinois Region of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. All of the Alton district elementary schools, the Middle School and the Motivational Achievement Center started Give Like a Rock Star nearly two weeks ago, and Friday is the last day.

Similar to paper creations such as shamrocks in convenience stores, participating students can buy a half-sheet of paper with a Guitar Hero-like outlined design on it, put their name on it and fill it with color. Then, the colored guitar pictures are hung on display wherever the schools' officials, principals and teachers determine. One half-sheet of paper, which states "Be Somebody's Celebrity and Give Like a Rock Star," costs 25 cents, or students can buy five for $1.

"This is just a way to help kids understand that every little bit helps," said Jennifer Hasamear, communications associate for the Illinois Region of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. "Kids are the greatest example of wanting to help. They like to raid their piggy banks."

This is the program's first year in Alton but second year overall; it started last year in the Granite City schools.

The United Way gave each teacher a packet prior to the start of the program that informs them about how many Alton agencies and Alton School District students the United Way helps, so that teachers could tell their students, giving context to the purpose of the United Way.

Through the United Way, the Boys and Girls Club of Alton helps 1,154 students from the district; Alton Day Care provides before- and after-school care for 62 children and serves as a full-day remote site for an early childhood program for 18 district youngsters; Senior Services Plus provides 26 Foster Grandparents in the district's elementary schools with 192 children identified as "at-risk" receiving one-on-one tutoring and mentoring through the Foster Grandparents program.

"Maybe a child knows someone in an after-school program, or they are in it," Hasamear said about what might hit home with a child who donates to Give Like a Rock Star. "A dollar can put a hat on a homeless man or give a school breakfast to a child in need."

Last year, the students in the Granite City district raised approximately $1,600.

"It was all from quarters and change," Hasamear said. "It was fun to see in Granite City, because some kids papered their locker with the pictures."

Each guitar picture has the student's classroom designation on the back. The top classrooms will get pizza parties for their participation.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/way-32007-united-alton.html

Victory celebration 2009

Kate Kromann — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:29:10 GMT