Community Service InvestiGators
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CSI Mission: Investigate needs within our community and help meet those needs through fundraising, volunteering and contributions.
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Current List of Organizations that CSI supports:
1. Bald Ridge Lodge- http://www.baldridgelodge.org/
2. Chestatee Elementary School- http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/chestatee
3. Children's Center for Hope & Healing-
http://www.redandblack.com/marketplace/children-s-center-for-hope-and-healing/business_33632900.html
4. Family Haven- https://forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info
5. Forsyth County Humane Society- http://www.forsythpets.org/
6. Forsyth County Library- http://www.forsythpl.org/
7. Forsyth County Sheriff's Victims Advocate- http://www.forsythsheriff.org/information-2/domestic-violence/
8. Healthy Paws for a Cause- healthypawsforacause.com/
9. Jesse's House- http://www.jesseshouse.org/
10. Meals by Grace- www.mealsbygrace.org
11. Meals on Wheels- http://www.forsythforfamilies.com/tag/meals-on-wheels/
12. Special Olympics- www.soforsyth.org
13. Teen MOPS- http://www.creekside.net/teen-mops.html
14. The Place- http://www.theplaceofforsyth.org/tpof/Welcome.html
15. YMCA- http://www.ymcaatlanta.org/fcy/
16. About Face-USA- http://aboutface-usa.org/
17. Family Promise- www.fpforsyth.org/
2. Chestatee Elementary School- http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/chestatee
3. Children's Center for Hope & Healing-
http://www.redandblack.com/marketplace/children-s-center-for-hope-and-healing/business_33632900.html
4. Family Haven- https://forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info
5. Forsyth County Humane Society- http://www.forsythpets.org/
6. Forsyth County Library- http://www.forsythpl.org/
7. Forsyth County Sheriff's Victims Advocate- http://www.forsythsheriff.org/information-2/domestic-violence/
8. Healthy Paws for a Cause- healthypawsforacause.com/
9. Jesse's House- http://www.jesseshouse.org/
10. Meals by Grace- www.mealsbygrace.org
11. Meals on Wheels- http://www.forsythforfamilies.com/tag/meals-on-wheels/
12. Special Olympics- www.soforsyth.org
13. Teen MOPS- http://www.creekside.net/teen-mops.html
14. The Place- http://www.theplaceofforsyth.org/tpof/Welcome.html
15. YMCA- http://www.ymcaatlanta.org/fcy/
16. About Face-USA- http://aboutface-usa.org/
17. Family Promise- www.fpforsyth.org/
2022 News
May News
Our Gator-Aid collection this month is for Meals on Wheels. To a homebound senior,” a knock on the door could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels means nourishment for the body and soul “
Please remember, that we are collecting only three items each month: foam egg cartons for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing, the plastic store bags for The Place and the laundry & fabric softener jugs for Meals by Grace. Please no milk containers, plastic containers, or anything else.
Our Gator-Aid collection this month is for Meals on Wheels. To a homebound senior,” a knock on the door could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels means nourishment for the body and soul “
Please remember, that we are collecting only three items each month: foam egg cartons for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing, the plastic store bags for The Place and the laundry & fabric softener jugs for Meals by Grace. Please no milk containers, plastic containers, or anything else.
APRIL NEWS
Next CSI meeting: Tuesday, April 12th, 1:30 PM (note time change) at the Cumming Library
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, April 12th, in the CUMMING Library meeting room at 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Please let me know if you would like to attend the meeting. All members welcome!
Our Gator-Aid collection this month is for Family Haven.Their mission is to provide comprehensive services to those who have experienced family violence, to educate and train the community on the issues of family violence and sexual assault, to increase self-sufficiency, and to reduce recidivism. They offer 21 shelter beds and 12 transitional housing beds. Their services are free of charge to all victims regardless of age, sex, race, and creed, marital and socio-economic status. These women learn to become survivors. Items that they could really use right now are listed below.
Remember, we are still collecting the foam egg cartons for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing, the plastic store bags for The Place, and the laundry & fabric softener jugs to Meals by Grace. Thank you!
We have a new sponsor! Zina Cohen, our 2nd Vice President, is a realtor and works for Atlanta Fine Homes/Sotheby’s. She has offered to donate 1% of her net commission to one of CSI’s chosen charities of her client's choice! Pretty amazing and very generous! Thank you, Zina! Please check out her new ad in the newsletter this month and on our website.
Next CSI meeting: Tuesday, April 12th, 1:30 PM (note time change) at the Cumming Library
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, April 12th, in the CUMMING Library meeting room at 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Please let me know if you would like to attend the meeting. All members welcome!
Our Gator-Aid collection this month is for Family Haven.Their mission is to provide comprehensive services to those who have experienced family violence, to educate and train the community on the issues of family violence and sexual assault, to increase self-sufficiency, and to reduce recidivism. They offer 21 shelter beds and 12 transitional housing beds. Their services are free of charge to all victims regardless of age, sex, race, and creed, marital and socio-economic status. These women learn to become survivors. Items that they could really use right now are listed below.
Remember, we are still collecting the foam egg cartons for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing, the plastic store bags for The Place, and the laundry & fabric softener jugs to Meals by Grace. Thank you!
We have a new sponsor! Zina Cohen, our 2nd Vice President, is a realtor and works for Atlanta Fine Homes/Sotheby’s. She has offered to donate 1% of her net commission to one of CSI’s chosen charities of her client's choice! Pretty amazing and very generous! Thank you, Zina! Please check out her new ad in the newsletter this month and on our website.
MARCH NEWS
Next CSI meeting: March 8, 10am, Hampton Library conference room
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, March 8th in the Hampton Library meeting room at 10:00 am. The director of Family Haven will be our guest speaker. Family Haven is a Shelter for abused women and children here in Cumming. Please let me know if you would like to attend the meeting. All members welcome!
Our donation this month is for the Humane Society food bank. This is such a wonderful resource for families with pets who need a little help keeping their pets fed. They need wet and dry cat and dog food, and kitty litter. They could also use 1 gal. zip-lock bags which are used to divide up the dry pet food. They are very appreciative!
Here’s a shout out to member JoAnn Nitkowski for remembering to mention FCWC when she had her car serviced at Christian Brothers Auto! Christian Brothers cut CSI a check for 5% of the total of her bill to be used for any charity of our choice. THANK YOU, JoAnn! Christian Brothers is a longtime supporter and has several locations around Cumming.
Remember that we are collecting the foam egg cartons again for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing. Thank you! And remember those BOX TOPS? If you see one in your grocery purchases, they probably need to be scanned. There is an app for that and when you sign up, please choose Chestatee School. You simply scan your cash register receipt and it will go directly to the school of choice. No more clipping and counting!
Next CSI meeting: March 8, 10am, Hampton Library conference room
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, March 8th in the Hampton Library meeting room at 10:00 am. The director of Family Haven will be our guest speaker. Family Haven is a Shelter for abused women and children here in Cumming. Please let me know if you would like to attend the meeting. All members welcome!
Our donation this month is for the Humane Society food bank. This is such a wonderful resource for families with pets who need a little help keeping their pets fed. They need wet and dry cat and dog food, and kitty litter. They could also use 1 gal. zip-lock bags which are used to divide up the dry pet food. They are very appreciative!
Here’s a shout out to member JoAnn Nitkowski for remembering to mention FCWC when she had her car serviced at Christian Brothers Auto! Christian Brothers cut CSI a check for 5% of the total of her bill to be used for any charity of our choice. THANK YOU, JoAnn! Christian Brothers is a longtime supporter and has several locations around Cumming.
Remember that we are collecting the foam egg cartons again for the Children’s Center of Hope and Healing. Thank you! And remember those BOX TOPS? If you see one in your grocery purchases, they probably need to be scanned. There is an app for that and when you sign up, please choose Chestatee School. You simply scan your cash register receipt and it will go directly to the school of choice. No more clipping and counting!
FEBRUARY NEWS
Next CSI Meeting: February 8th at 10am, Sharon Forks Library conference room
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, Feb 8th in the Sharon Forks Library conference room at 10:00 am. We’re hoping to have a guest speaker from FurKids, Georgia’s largest animal rescue, no-kill shelter and sanctuary. Please let me know if you would like to attend. All members are welcome!
Our donation this month is for the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing. CSI members were fortunate to have one of the therapists from the Center as a guest speaker at our CSI meeting in January. The Children's Center for Hope & Healing is dedicated to stopping the cycle of child sexual abuse and to preventing the exploitation of children. It also provides counseling to families, prevention programs, education and advocacy with other community services to work to achieve the best outcome possible. Most of their therapy involves art activities, so craft supplies are needed, as are individually wrapped snacks. You may wonder why the contact lens solution; it is part of a recipe (with the baking soda and glue) to make SLIME! They will be very grateful for your help.
And did you notice that they need EGG CARTONS? These become handy paint dispensers for young children. Mary Negrilla will be happy to start collecting them, so please bring them to the luncheons again!
Next CSI Meeting: February 8th at 10am, Sharon Forks Library conference room
The CSI group will meet on Tuesday, Feb 8th in the Sharon Forks Library conference room at 10:00 am. We’re hoping to have a guest speaker from FurKids, Georgia’s largest animal rescue, no-kill shelter and sanctuary. Please let me know if you would like to attend. All members are welcome!
Our donation this month is for the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing. CSI members were fortunate to have one of the therapists from the Center as a guest speaker at our CSI meeting in January. The Children's Center for Hope & Healing is dedicated to stopping the cycle of child sexual abuse and to preventing the exploitation of children. It also provides counseling to families, prevention programs, education and advocacy with other community services to work to achieve the best outcome possible. Most of their therapy involves art activities, so craft supplies are needed, as are individually wrapped snacks. You may wonder why the contact lens solution; it is part of a recipe (with the baking soda and glue) to make SLIME! They will be very grateful for your help.
And did you notice that they need EGG CARTONS? These become handy paint dispensers for young children. Mary Negrilla will be happy to start collecting them, so please bring them to the luncheons again!
JANUARY NEWS
The Holiday Bazaar surpassed our hopes and we raised $1250 for our funds and an additional $695 was given directly to the non-profits! Thank you for supporting us and for supporting our community. Everything helps as we go forward into this new year.
The “Mending Hearts” dinner fundraiser that was scheduled for early February with the Wine Explorers group, has been put on hold. Already, we are seeing the results of recent holiday gatherings with an uptick in the amount of people now infected and in hospitals. Our thinking was to hold off a bit, let the holiday season settle and perhaps have an idea of the impact on what “omicron” has is store. We’ll keep you posted!
Our donation this month is for Meals by Grace’s food bank. Every food bank is probably pretty depleted with the holiday needs, but people still need to eat so let’s help replenish it! All non-perishable foods, please. Soups, meals in a can, cereals, shelf stable milk (Dollar Store is a good place to get this,) peanut butter, jelly and canned meat are all good choices!
CSI will meet on Monday, January 10th, at Cumming Library in meeting room B at 10 AM.
Happy New Year! We’re all hopeful that we will be able to do more and help more this year and we’re ready for the challenge! Our meeting will be held in the Cumming Library at 10:00am on MONDAY, the 10th. The Librarian assures me that the heating has been fixed so we should be more comfortable! Please let me know if you’re planning on attending. We welcome all members to join us!
2021 News
DECEMBER NEWS
Thank you for your awesome support this year. You have helped change the lives of so many in small ways that gives relief and comfort. The CSI team hopes you all have a wonderful holiday and that we all have a brighter, happier, and healthier new year!
This month, we will be supporting and collecting items to fit into backpacks for homeless vets – both men and women. This is sponsored by About Face-USA, an organization that works to make the lives of homeless veterans a little brighter, safer, and warmer. As the weather turns colder, it’s a great time to help these vets still on the streets. I am delighted that the sponsor of this project, Carol LaBranch, will be attending the luncheon, where you will have an opportunity to meet her and ask her questions.
This month, we will be supporting and collecting items to fit into backpacks for homeless vets – both men and women. This is sponsored by About Face-USA, an organization that works to make the lives of homeless veterans a little brighter, safer, and warmer. As the weather turns colder, it’s a great time to help these vets still on the streets. I am delighted that the sponsor of this project, Carol LaBranch, will be attending the luncheon, where you will have an opportunity to meet her and ask her questions.
NOVEMBER NEWS
The CSI committee is so excited about the about The Holiday Food Bazaar this month! The group is preparing lots of holiday baking treats and the much loved soups and cookies in a jar and cakes in a mug for wonderful hostess gifts or for friends and family. We will also have a table for making a direct donation to the boys at Bald Ridge Lodge, the girls at Jesse’s House, or the Place Cottage. The doors will open around 10:15 am and be open for an hour, so we have plenty of time for browsing before the luncheon starts. Remember that you don’t need to attend the luncheon to come to the sale. And if you would like something special in the way of a pie or cake, please contact Mary Negrilla. We will try to accommodate you.
Below is a flyer for another fundraiser, this time given by AboutFace-USA, the group that works to make the lives of homeless veterans a little brighter, safer, and warmer. If you’re interested in one of these artificial trees, please contact Carol LaBranch before November 15th!
CSI will meet this month on Monday, November 8th at 10:00 am at the Cumming Library. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Please RSVP to me. New members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all!
Below is a flyer for another fundraiser, this time given by AboutFace-USA, the group that works to make the lives of homeless veterans a little brighter, safer, and warmer. If you’re interested in one of these artificial trees, please contact Carol LaBranch before November 15th!
CSI will meet this month on Monday, November 8th at 10:00 am at the Cumming Library. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Please RSVP to me. New members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all!
OCTOBER NEWS
The CSI group is working out the details for the fall fundraiser! The Holiday Food Bazaar will feature baked goods, along with cakes in a mug, cookies and soup in a jar, and a few surprises! If you have a request for a particular baked item, let us know and we will try to accommodate you. We hope for a nice turnout for this November event as we really need to raise some funds. Feel free to come by and shop even if you don’t plan on staying for the luncheon. Doors will open at 10:15 am and close before the luncheon starts.
Chestatee School has mentioned their urgent need for any size of wipes and tissues and big bottles of hand sanitizers. Also, they would like board games for ages K-6. Our liaison with Chestatee suggested Five Below and Walmart as good sources for these games at good prices. Please bring your items to the October luncheon. Thank you!
Thank you for bringing in your clean store plastic bags and the detergent bottles for Meals by Grace. BOX-Tops for Education are now pretty much all collected by scanning your store receipt after purchasing a product with the Boxtop on it. You’ll need to download the box top app to your phone. Chestatee still can use the funding that those Boxtops bring in to add to their library.
Next CSI – Community Service Investigators Meeting:
Thursday, October 14th at 10:00am, Sharon Forks Library
Please note the change of day and place for the October meeting!
CSI will meet this month on Thursday, 14th at 10:00 am in the Conference room at the Sharon Forks library. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Please RSVP to me and I’ll send the information for the meeting. New members are always welcome.
Chestatee School has mentioned their urgent need for any size of wipes and tissues and big bottles of hand sanitizers. Also, they would like board games for ages K-6. Our liaison with Chestatee suggested Five Below and Walmart as good sources for these games at good prices. Please bring your items to the October luncheon. Thank you!
Thank you for bringing in your clean store plastic bags and the detergent bottles for Meals by Grace. BOX-Tops for Education are now pretty much all collected by scanning your store receipt after purchasing a product with the Boxtop on it. You’ll need to download the box top app to your phone. Chestatee still can use the funding that those Boxtops bring in to add to their library.
Next CSI – Community Service Investigators Meeting:
Thursday, October 14th at 10:00am, Sharon Forks Library
Please note the change of day and place for the October meeting!
CSI will meet this month on Thursday, 14th at 10:00 am in the Conference room at the Sharon Forks library. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Please RSVP to me and I’ll send the information for the meeting. New members are always welcome.
SEPTEMBER NEWS
The CSI group met this month (in person) for the first time in a long time. We have lots of plans for this fall, one of them being a Holiday Bazaar for November. Look for more information next month! It should be lots of fun with lots of goodies for your holiday gifting and eating!
The Georgia State Patrol is holding a “FILL THE PANTRY” non-perishable food and personal hygiene items drive this month to help refill the food pantry in our county. It will be distributed to 4 several pantries – The Place being one of them. Food is still a huge issue for many people in our county. Please bring your items non-perishable, non-expired, labeled cans of food, personal hygiene items and diapers to the luncheon this month. Thank you!
Also. please to bring in your clean store plastic bags and the detergent bottles for Meals by Grace. BOX-Tops for Education are now pretty much all collected by scanning your store receipt after purchasing a product with the Boxtop on it. You’ll need to download the box top app to your phone. Chestatee still can use the funding that those Boxtops bring in to add to their library.
Check out the sponsors’ ads this month. I think you will find the one from Christian Brothers Auto fun – it features our gator Gabby! Please remember to mention FCWC anytime you take you car serviced. He’ll send us a check for 5% of your total bill which CSI will donate to one of our charities!
CSI will meet Tuesday, Sept. 14th at 10:00 am. at the home of Kathleen Rastetter. She asks that if you are not vaccinated, to please wear a mask. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Please RSVP to me and I’ll send the information for the meeting. New members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all!
The Georgia State Patrol is holding a “FILL THE PANTRY” non-perishable food and personal hygiene items drive this month to help refill the food pantry in our county. It will be distributed to 4 several pantries – The Place being one of them. Food is still a huge issue for many people in our county. Please bring your items non-perishable, non-expired, labeled cans of food, personal hygiene items and diapers to the luncheon this month. Thank you!
Also. please to bring in your clean store plastic bags and the detergent bottles for Meals by Grace. BOX-Tops for Education are now pretty much all collected by scanning your store receipt after purchasing a product with the Boxtop on it. You’ll need to download the box top app to your phone. Chestatee still can use the funding that those Boxtops bring in to add to their library.
Check out the sponsors’ ads this month. I think you will find the one from Christian Brothers Auto fun – it features our gator Gabby! Please remember to mention FCWC anytime you take you car serviced. He’ll send us a check for 5% of your total bill which CSI will donate to one of our charities!
CSI will meet Tuesday, Sept. 14th at 10:00 am. at the home of Kathleen Rastetter. She asks that if you are not vaccinated, to please wear a mask. Bring your own beverage and snack if you wish. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Please RSVP to me and I’ll send the information for the meeting. New members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all!
AUGUST NEWS
The summer is quickly going by and I hope you’re finding lots of ways to meet with family and travel a bit.
There is no Gator-aid collection this month, but will resume next month. But, if you’re looking for ways to donate, The Place is having a Virtual School Supply Dr. Here’s the website:
https://theplaceofforsyth.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTE0ODky#_=_
Each year, The Place of Forsyth works with FOCO schools to identify students who need assistance with school supplies and each year the community has been generous and provided those times.
This year, however, due to COVID-19, we are hosting a virtual school supply drive. Instead, of collecting items we will be accepting monetary donations to purchase over 1400 supplies kits. Many of you have been so generous in the past, and especially in recent weeks, and for that we are grateful. If you are not able to support at this time, we understand and know that if you could you would. THANK YOU! from the Place Team.
The price per kit are as follows: Elementary School Supplies = $31 Middle/High School Supplies = $36 What's Most Needed = $5
Any remaining resources after the purchase of school supplies, calculators, and additional backpacks will support The Place of Forsyth County's youth outreach programs.
CSI will resume our formal meetings in next month. We’re still looking for a new place to hold our meetings. If you have any suggestions for us, please let me know!!
Enjoy August and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
There is no Gator-aid collection this month, but will resume next month. But, if you’re looking for ways to donate, The Place is having a Virtual School Supply Dr. Here’s the website:
https://theplaceofforsyth.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTE0ODky#_=_
Each year, The Place of Forsyth works with FOCO schools to identify students who need assistance with school supplies and each year the community has been generous and provided those times.
This year, however, due to COVID-19, we are hosting a virtual school supply drive. Instead, of collecting items we will be accepting monetary donations to purchase over 1400 supplies kits. Many of you have been so generous in the past, and especially in recent weeks, and for that we are grateful. If you are not able to support at this time, we understand and know that if you could you would. THANK YOU! from the Place Team.
The price per kit are as follows: Elementary School Supplies = $31 Middle/High School Supplies = $36 What's Most Needed = $5
Any remaining resources after the purchase of school supplies, calculators, and additional backpacks will support The Place of Forsyth County's youth outreach programs.
CSI will resume our formal meetings in next month. We’re still looking for a new place to hold our meetings. If you have any suggestions for us, please let me know!!
Enjoy August and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
JULY NEWS
Hello everyone! I still think back to the wonderful treat our speaker, Jacob Granados from the Place, gave us all when he sang for us! I wish I had taken a video of Kathleen placing a basket on his table and then, one by one, members coming up to make donations. He collected over $300 in checks and asked me to write a check for the cash. The cash totaled 350 – so the Place Cottage collected an extra $650!!!!! It was a very moving moment for me and those at our table.
We have a new advertiser: Weaver Law Firm - handles all kinds of cases. Look for their ad next month in the newsletter and on the Website.
Please look at the CSI annual report, below. It surprised me to see what we have accomplished this year in the way of giving to our community, despite the hurdles of Covid-19. THANK YOU, so very much for all of you who helped make this year.
As far as our next Gator-aid collections, we will take a break for the summer and resume in September.
We have a new advertiser: Weaver Law Firm - handles all kinds of cases. Look for their ad next month in the newsletter and on the Website.
Please look at the CSI annual report, below. It surprised me to see what we have accomplished this year in the way of giving to our community, despite the hurdles of Covid-19. THANK YOU, so very much for all of you who helped make this year.
As far as our next Gator-aid collections, we will take a break for the summer and resume in September.
| csi_annual_report_for_the_board_20-21.docx |
JUNE NEWS
This is a transition month for FCWC with a new board in place for the upcoming year. We’re all anxious to get our group back to its happy place where we can enjoy each other’s company again!
The June Gator-aid is for Meals on Wheels – helping to make sure all home-bound seniors have enough to eat. Please make your donation by check directly to them: Forsyth County Senior Center. You may bring it to the luncheon or mail it to me @ 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506. We will not be using drop off locations for this collection. Thank you so much for your help.
I have to tell you about one of our advertisers, Tom Burgess, of Christian Brothers Auto. He has made a wonderful gesture and another way to support our local non-profits. Every time you take your car in for any kind of service and mention “FCWC,” Tom will donate 5% of the total back to us! There is no limit! So please consider his business for your vehicle maintenance and remember this very kind and generous man who truly cares about our community. Watch for his new logo in the upcoming newsletter and on the website!
Clipping box tops seems to be just about over as they have now gone to an app which will digitally scan your store receipt for purchases with Boxtops on them. This $$ directly goes to the school of your choice (hopefully Chestatee). You will need to sign up and download the app to your phone: go to https://www.boxtops4education.com/ and get started! Sometimes I don’t even notice that something I purchased has a box top on it, so I hold on to my receipt for a few days! Good luck!
Meals by Grace has an update! No longer do they need foam egg cartons as they have found a new source. We are now down to collecting clean, store bags and laundry or fabric softener bottles only. Thank you so much.
CSI will not be meeting formally over the summer and will resume in September – hopefully in a place all together!
The June Gator-aid is for Meals on Wheels – helping to make sure all home-bound seniors have enough to eat. Please make your donation by check directly to them: Forsyth County Senior Center. You may bring it to the luncheon or mail it to me @ 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506. We will not be using drop off locations for this collection. Thank you so much for your help.
I have to tell you about one of our advertisers, Tom Burgess, of Christian Brothers Auto. He has made a wonderful gesture and another way to support our local non-profits. Every time you take your car in for any kind of service and mention “FCWC,” Tom will donate 5% of the total back to us! There is no limit! So please consider his business for your vehicle maintenance and remember this very kind and generous man who truly cares about our community. Watch for his new logo in the upcoming newsletter and on the website!
Clipping box tops seems to be just about over as they have now gone to an app which will digitally scan your store receipt for purchases with Boxtops on them. This $$ directly goes to the school of your choice (hopefully Chestatee). You will need to sign up and download the app to your phone: go to https://www.boxtops4education.com/ and get started! Sometimes I don’t even notice that something I purchased has a box top on it, so I hold on to my receipt for a few days! Good luck!
Meals by Grace has an update! No longer do they need foam egg cartons as they have found a new source. We are now down to collecting clean, store bags and laundry or fabric softener bottles only. Thank you so much.
CSI will not be meeting formally over the summer and will resume in September – hopefully in a place all together!
MAY NEWS
CSI Zoom is 10:00 am Tuesday, May 20.
School Break bags for Meals by Grace. See below for the specific items needed. About 200 bags go home each week during the summer. You may take these items to the luncheon or to any of the drop offs below or send a check to me written out to Meals by Grace to 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville, GA 330506. Please be sure you let the drop of person know you will be stopping by.
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix) 518-229-7304
Linda Fitzwater – (off 141 & Stoney Point) 470-302-9473
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area) 770-298-9659
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart) 517-937-3842
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place) 678-525-9309
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill) 508-277-5514
Mary Negrilla – (off 14 at Echols Dr) 678-332-651
Our collection last month for the Humane Society was awesome! $125 dollars was collected along with- 100 cans of pet food, 48# dry pet food, 460 tall kitchen bags, over 1000# of kitty litter and various treats and beds. WOW!! They were so very happy to receive it!
It feels like things are loosening up a bit and Gabby is happy to shed her mask for a while and actually wear lipstick again! We’re all ready to get back to seeing friends and family again.
School Break bags for Meals by Grace. See below for the specific items needed. About 200 bags go home each week during the summer. You may take these items to the luncheon or to any of the drop offs below or send a check to me written out to Meals by Grace to 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville, GA 330506. Please be sure you let the drop of person know you will be stopping by.
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix) 518-229-7304
Linda Fitzwater – (off 141 & Stoney Point) 470-302-9473
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area) 770-298-9659
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart) 517-937-3842
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place) 678-525-9309
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill) 508-277-5514
Mary Negrilla – (off 14 at Echols Dr) 678-332-651
Our collection last month for the Humane Society was awesome! $125 dollars was collected along with- 100 cans of pet food, 48# dry pet food, 460 tall kitchen bags, over 1000# of kitty litter and various treats and beds. WOW!! They were so very happy to receive it!
It feels like things are loosening up a bit and Gabby is happy to shed her mask for a while and actually wear lipstick again! We’re all ready to get back to seeing friends and family again.
Our next Zoom meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20th at 10:00 am. Everyone is welcome to join us. Please let Lisa Schiendler know if you would like to attend so the Zoom info can be sent to you. Hopefully our next formal meeting will be all together somewhere!
School Break Bags: boxed cereal, meals-in-a-can (like spagettios, ravioli,chili), 1 qt. shelf stable milk, canned soup (except for creamed soups), peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, breakfast or granola bars, fruit or applesauce cups of any kind, ramen noodles
APRIL NEWS
CSI Zoom is 10:00 am Tuesday, April 13.
Thank you Thank you! We collected 68 food items for The Place last month as well as $620! They were very pleased.
Our last auction was a lot of fun and it was great to see many of you making bids on the items. So far, the auctions have brought in $850! We are now looking at the final virtual auction for this calendar year. It will take place in early April. Keep a look out for it – more fun to come!!
Meals by Grace has now moved to its new location at 3540 Keith Bridge Rd, Cumming. Please remember that they are no longer preparing meals and no longer need the plastic containers. They still need plastic store bags, laundry & fabric softener containers and foam egg cartons (6 or 12 egg size). Thank you!
This month, CSI will be collecting gift cards for the girls at The Cottage. These are homeless teens, still in school, that need a safe place to live. Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Publix, or Kroger will allow them to purchase personal products for themselves. Bring your cards to the luncheon or drop them off at any of the locations below. You may also send those cards or a check written out to FCWC-CSI to me at 8960 Athens Park Rd. Gainesville, 30506. I will pick up cards for you.
Marybeth Magallanes
Linda Fitzwater
Kathleen Rastetter
Jan Sieghart
Johanna Morgan
Charlene Tagon-Magoon
Mary Negrilla
Our next meeting will be held by ZOOM on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:00 am. I hope you can join us! Everyone is welcome. Please let me know if you are planning to attend so meeting instructions can be sent to you.
Be careful out there and stay safe!!!
Thank you Thank you! We collected 68 food items for The Place last month as well as $620! They were very pleased.
Our last auction was a lot of fun and it was great to see many of you making bids on the items. So far, the auctions have brought in $850! We are now looking at the final virtual auction for this calendar year. It will take place in early April. Keep a look out for it – more fun to come!!
Meals by Grace has now moved to its new location at 3540 Keith Bridge Rd, Cumming. Please remember that they are no longer preparing meals and no longer need the plastic containers. They still need plastic store bags, laundry & fabric softener containers and foam egg cartons (6 or 12 egg size). Thank you!
This month, CSI will be collecting gift cards for the girls at The Cottage. These are homeless teens, still in school, that need a safe place to live. Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Publix, or Kroger will allow them to purchase personal products for themselves. Bring your cards to the luncheon or drop them off at any of the locations below. You may also send those cards or a check written out to FCWC-CSI to me at 8960 Athens Park Rd. Gainesville, 30506. I will pick up cards for you.
Marybeth Magallanes
Linda Fitzwater
Kathleen Rastetter
Jan Sieghart
Johanna Morgan
Charlene Tagon-Magoon
Mary Negrilla
Our next meeting will be held by ZOOM on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:00 am. I hope you can join us! Everyone is welcome. Please let me know if you are planning to attend so meeting instructions can be sent to you.
Be careful out there and stay safe!!!
MARCH NEWS
CSI Zoom is Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00am. Everyone is welcome to join us. Please let Lisa Schiendler know if you would like to attend so the Zoom info can be sent to you.
This month, we are collecting items for the animals at the Humane Society on Keith Bridge Rd. All pet food would be appreciated and kitty litter is always a big need. They could also use tall kitchen bags (13 gal size), paper towels, and Lysol wipes. The food bank helps those families in need keep their pets at home. You may take your donations to the luncheon, send along a check to me written out to FCWC-CSI or to any of the sites below. Thank you!!
Marybeth Magallanes
Linda Fitzwater
Kathleen Rastetter
Jan Sieghart
Johanna Morgan
Charlene Tagon-Magoon
Mary Negrilla
Meals by Grace has moved to a new location! It is now located at:
3540 KEITH BRIDGE ROAD, CUMMING, GA 30041.
They no longer will be serving food and do not need the plastic lidded containers. Only THESE items are needed: laundry or fabric softener containers, foam egg cartons (6 or 12) and plastic store bags. Please throw anything else into your own recycling bin. Thank you.
Remember those BOXTOPs? We’re still collecting them. Some you cut out and some you scan the register receipt with the BOXTOPS app. Chestatee still is collecting and appreciates your help.
WATCH FOR THE NEXT AUCTION COMING UP IN EARLY MARCH!!
Stay safe everyone,
Lisa
Humane Society needs: Pet Food, Litter, Lysol Wipes, Tall Kitchen bags, and paper towels
This month, we are collecting items for the animals at the Humane Society on Keith Bridge Rd. All pet food would be appreciated and kitty litter is always a big need. They could also use tall kitchen bags (13 gal size), paper towels, and Lysol wipes. The food bank helps those families in need keep their pets at home. You may take your donations to the luncheon, send along a check to me written out to FCWC-CSI or to any of the sites below. Thank you!!
Marybeth Magallanes
Linda Fitzwater
Kathleen Rastetter
Jan Sieghart
Johanna Morgan
Charlene Tagon-Magoon
Mary Negrilla
Meals by Grace has moved to a new location! It is now located at:
3540 KEITH BRIDGE ROAD, CUMMING, GA 30041.
They no longer will be serving food and do not need the plastic lidded containers. Only THESE items are needed: laundry or fabric softener containers, foam egg cartons (6 or 12) and plastic store bags. Please throw anything else into your own recycling bin. Thank you.
Remember those BOXTOPs? We’re still collecting them. Some you cut out and some you scan the register receipt with the BOXTOPS app. Chestatee still is collecting and appreciates your help.
WATCH FOR THE NEXT AUCTION COMING UP IN EARLY MARCH!!
Stay safe everyone,
Lisa
Humane Society needs: Pet Food, Litter, Lysol Wipes, Tall Kitchen bags, and paper towels
FEBRUARY NEWS
CSI ZOOM will take place on Tuesday, February 9 at 10:00am.
Our plan is to hold the next mini auction before Valentine’s Day with a love theme. The auctions have gone well and we raised $410! Thank you for your support. The last auction we added the element of being able to raise your bid if someone else had placed a higher bid for an item. Made it more fun and more auction-like!
We will be collecting food for The Place this month and will offer again the drop off locations below or the option of sending a donation by check (FCWC-CSI) to me at 8960 Athens Park Rd. Gainesville, 30506. Food still seems to be the most critical need in our county.
Our next Zoom meeting will be held on February 9th at 10:00 am. Everyone is welcome to join us. Please let me know if you would like to attend so Zoom info can be sent to you. As a side here, we used the Club Zoom account, available to all interest group leasers, for our January meeting and were very pleased with how Fran Lyons had set it us for us – so simple and uncomplicated! I hope that other interest leaders will give it a try and connect with your group if only to chat with a cup of coffee!
Stay safe everyone. Hopefully, we’ll all get our vaccinations soon so this nation can begin to heal and we can resume our lives.
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix) 518-229-7304
Linda Fitzwater – (off 141 & Stoney Point) 470-302-9473
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area) 770-298-9659
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart) 517-937-3842
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place) 678-525-9309
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill) 508-277-5514
Mary Negrilla – (off 14 at Echols Dr) 678-332-6511
JANUARY NEWS
CSI ZOOM meeting will take place on January 12 at 10:00am. Please let Lisa Schiendler know if you plan to join us so she can send along the information needed for connecting.
Happy New Year! We can only hope it will be a healthier one and a happier one for us all. We’ve all been through a lot this past year and despite it all, have managed to continue to help those in our community who needed it. Last month, we delivered over 200 food items and $430 to Meals by Grace! Thank you for supporting our new ideas for filling these needs. We’d appreciate any ideas you might have to help us do more.
In January we are supporting the Sherriff’s Victims’ Advocates by collecting $5.00 fast food gift cards that would be given to officer’s when they deal with those in stressful situations and haven’t had a hot meal in a while. Instead of coming out of the officer’s pocket, he/she can use these cards to help. These can come from Wendy’s, McDonalds, Arby’s, etc. We’ll be collecting the same way – you can bring cards to the luncheon, any of the collection sites listed below) or you can mail them or a check to me (Lisa Schiendler) and I will pick up cards for you.
The first few auctions have gone well – Thank you!! We have raised some money and hope you have enjoyed yourself as well. Let us know how we can make it a better experience for you. We’ll continue to present some items every month.
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix)
Linda Fitzwater – (off 141 & Stoney Point)
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area)
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart)
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place)
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill)
Mary Negrilla – (off 14 at Echols Dr)
Happy New Year! We can only hope it will be a healthier one and a happier one for us all. We’ve all been through a lot this past year and despite it all, have managed to continue to help those in our community who needed it. Last month, we delivered over 200 food items and $430 to Meals by Grace! Thank you for supporting our new ideas for filling these needs. We’d appreciate any ideas you might have to help us do more.
In January we are supporting the Sherriff’s Victims’ Advocates by collecting $5.00 fast food gift cards that would be given to officer’s when they deal with those in stressful situations and haven’t had a hot meal in a while. Instead of coming out of the officer’s pocket, he/she can use these cards to help. These can come from Wendy’s, McDonalds, Arby’s, etc. We’ll be collecting the same way – you can bring cards to the luncheon, any of the collection sites listed below) or you can mail them or a check to me (Lisa Schiendler) and I will pick up cards for you.
The first few auctions have gone well – Thank you!! We have raised some money and hope you have enjoyed yourself as well. Let us know how we can make it a better experience for you. We’ll continue to present some items every month.
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix)
Linda Fitzwater – (off 141 & Stoney Point)
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area)
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart)
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place)
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill)
Mary Negrilla – (off 14 at Echols Dr)
2020 News
DECEMBER NEWS
CSI ZOOM meeting will take place on December 8 at 10:00am. Please let Lisa Schiendler know if you plan to join us so she can send along the information needed for connecting. We’d love to see you or meet you if you’re new.
CSI is trying to be creative when it comes to helping those of need in our community. All the non-profits are experiencing fewer donations and with your help we can make a difference!
The monthly “Gator-aid” collections are working with donations coming to the luncheon and to drop off homes in the community. We’re adding a third way – you can send a check to me (to Lisa Schiendler, 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville 30506) written out to FCWC-CSI or to the charity of the month. CSI will either purchase the items needed or give the charity the cash. Hopefully, this will offer everyone a way to help. These groups are so very appreciative of every little thing.
We’ve depleted most of our funds now and have come up with a plan to raise money and hopefully be fun for our members. Each month, we will send out a blast inviting members to participate in a very silent auction. A few items will be displayed with the value and opening bid. This time, members will each send in their best bid – and the highest bid wins! You’ll have three days to vote and the prize will be delivered to you.
Mary Negrilla has asked that I remind everyone of which plastic items Meals by Grace can use, no extra surprises, please.
1. foam 1 doz. egg cartons (not 18, not cardboard)
2. Laundry or fabric softener containers (rinsed out please)
3. clean plastic containers, with wide lids 16-18 oz size (think sour cream, not mayonnaise jars)
Volunteers will not be needed for The Place Holiday House this year – I know that many of you liked to join us for this event, but they are still in need of toys and bikes. CSI will be donating $500 to the event.
Gator-aid this month are stocking stuffers gifts for the Chestatee School “Bravo Bucks” store. The children collect these Bravo bucks for kindness to others, positive behavior, etc. and can be redeemed in the store. For these items check out clearance tables, the Dollar Stores and Five Below is a hit. Kids can spend just a few tickets or a bunch so it's nice to have a broad range. See the suggestions below.
Bronco Bucks suggestions
Stickers, sticker books, stamps
Stuffed animals (any size)
Games (5 below is great), mind teaser games
slime, play dough, stretch toys, Bubbles
balls: soccer, basketball, football, tennis, squeeze, bouncy, squish
anything emoji- erasers, spiral notebooks, binders, folders
pencils, pencil sharpeners, pencil pouches, pencil grip, erasers
Crayons, crayon eraser, scissors, marker
Jump rope, planes, lunch box
Children's masks (the ones that look like animal faces)
CSI is trying to be creative when it comes to helping those of need in our community. All the non-profits are experiencing fewer donations and with your help we can make a difference!
The monthly “Gator-aid” collections are working with donations coming to the luncheon and to drop off homes in the community. We’re adding a third way – you can send a check to me (to Lisa Schiendler, 8960 Athens Park Rd, Gainesville 30506) written out to FCWC-CSI or to the charity of the month. CSI will either purchase the items needed or give the charity the cash. Hopefully, this will offer everyone a way to help. These groups are so very appreciative of every little thing.
We’ve depleted most of our funds now and have come up with a plan to raise money and hopefully be fun for our members. Each month, we will send out a blast inviting members to participate in a very silent auction. A few items will be displayed with the value and opening bid. This time, members will each send in their best bid – and the highest bid wins! You’ll have three days to vote and the prize will be delivered to you.
Mary Negrilla has asked that I remind everyone of which plastic items Meals by Grace can use, no extra surprises, please.
1. foam 1 doz. egg cartons (not 18, not cardboard)
2. Laundry or fabric softener containers (rinsed out please)
3. clean plastic containers, with wide lids 16-18 oz size (think sour cream, not mayonnaise jars)
Volunteers will not be needed for The Place Holiday House this year – I know that many of you liked to join us for this event, but they are still in need of toys and bikes. CSI will be donating $500 to the event.
Gator-aid this month are stocking stuffers gifts for the Chestatee School “Bravo Bucks” store. The children collect these Bravo bucks for kindness to others, positive behavior, etc. and can be redeemed in the store. For these items check out clearance tables, the Dollar Stores and Five Below is a hit. Kids can spend just a few tickets or a bunch so it's nice to have a broad range. See the suggestions below.
Bronco Bucks suggestions
Stickers, sticker books, stamps
Stuffed animals (any size)
Games (5 below is great), mind teaser games
slime, play dough, stretch toys, Bubbles
balls: soccer, basketball, football, tennis, squeeze, bouncy, squish
anything emoji- erasers, spiral notebooks, binders, folders
pencils, pencil sharpeners, pencil pouches, pencil grip, erasers
Crayons, crayon eraser, scissors, marker
Jump rope, planes, lunch box
Children's masks (the ones that look like animal faces)
NOVEMBER NEWS
CSI ZOOM meeting will take place on November 10 at 10:00am. Please let Lisa Schiendler know if you plan to join us so she can send along the information needed for connecting.
The collection for Chestatee School was a success! We collected 1000 snacks and backpack items at the luncheon and from the different member collection sites around the county. In addition, CSI purchased treats for the teachers. Teachers are in their classrooms with kids throughout the entire day. We hope they enjoy the wrapped cookies, chocolate candies and small cans of soda and know that everyone is grateful for the job they are doing.
As CSI spent down their account, $500 was allotted to The Place Home. This is a new facility for high school aged girls who are homeless and living on the street. The new “home” is located on Mary Alice Parkway and has four bedrooms and three baths and sits on over an acre of land. It’s currently large enough to place six girls and a house “mom”. There is space too in the basement to convert into 2 bedrooms for 4 more girls in the future. CSI wanted to use the money for something special that they needed, so I contacted Joni Smith from The Place. She proposed that we sponsor the laundry room! Our club name would be honored with a plaque in the room! Our funding will be used to outfit the room with flooring, baskets and supplies. CSI thought it would be fun to have a laundry saying as well and we were able to find a wall cling that states: "Laundry - sorting out life one load at a time." We’re thrilled to be able to do this for these girls and thank Joni for the opportunity.
Next month we will be collecting non-perishable food items for a local food bank. As Thanksgiving rolls around, we hope that everyone will have food on their table. You all can help! If you are attending the luncheon take it with you. If you are not attending, we would still like to you to consider dropping your donations off at any of the following member homes below. Call for directions and where to place your items. Thank you!
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix)
Linda Fitzwater (off 141 & Stoney Point)
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area)
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart)
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place)
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill)
The collection for Chestatee School was a success! We collected 1000 snacks and backpack items at the luncheon and from the different member collection sites around the county. In addition, CSI purchased treats for the teachers. Teachers are in their classrooms with kids throughout the entire day. We hope they enjoy the wrapped cookies, chocolate candies and small cans of soda and know that everyone is grateful for the job they are doing.
As CSI spent down their account, $500 was allotted to The Place Home. This is a new facility for high school aged girls who are homeless and living on the street. The new “home” is located on Mary Alice Parkway and has four bedrooms and three baths and sits on over an acre of land. It’s currently large enough to place six girls and a house “mom”. There is space too in the basement to convert into 2 bedrooms for 4 more girls in the future. CSI wanted to use the money for something special that they needed, so I contacted Joni Smith from The Place. She proposed that we sponsor the laundry room! Our club name would be honored with a plaque in the room! Our funding will be used to outfit the room with flooring, baskets and supplies. CSI thought it would be fun to have a laundry saying as well and we were able to find a wall cling that states: "Laundry - sorting out life one load at a time." We’re thrilled to be able to do this for these girls and thank Joni for the opportunity.
Next month we will be collecting non-perishable food items for a local food bank. As Thanksgiving rolls around, we hope that everyone will have food on their table. You all can help! If you are attending the luncheon take it with you. If you are not attending, we would still like to you to consider dropping your donations off at any of the following member homes below. Call for directions and where to place your items. Thank you!
Marybeth Magallanes (off Matt Highway & Hendrix)
Linda Fitzwater (off 141 & Stoney Point)
Kathleen Rastetter (Windermere area)
Jan Sieghart (off 400 at Brown’s Bridge near new Walmart)
Johanna Morgan (off 16 near The Place)
Charlene Tagon-Magoon (off Browns Bridge Rd & Little Mill)
OCTOBER NEWS
10:00 am Tuesday, October 13 - ZOOM meeting
Many changes are coming to CSI this fall as we have tried to find new ways to continue to help those in need in our community. One new plan is the way we collect “Gator-aid” (the luncheon donations). Our luncheons have opened up again and slowly moving forward, so we’ll start be asking the women attending the meeting this month to bring items for the girls at Jesse’s House and the boys at Bald Ridge Lodge. (The items are listed below.) The twist is that if you are NOT attending the luncheon and still want to help out, we have collection drop off sites where you can do this. They are scattered all around the county. Just call ahead and see how that site is working. Usually it will be a marked box on the front porch and you will not need to make face to face contact (unless you want to). Are you willing to be a drop off site? Let me know.
The idea came from Liz McLaughlin who posted a notice within her community for help Meals By Grace by collecting plastics. This worked out so well, she started asking for food! Her community wanted to help and do something for others and she provided a way to do that. She has shared a letter that she used and if you are interested in starting something like this in your community, let me know and I’ll forward her letter. This approach has awesome possibilities!
A CSI tradition for the last few years has been to purchase wreaths to place on Veteran’s grave sites at the Georgia National Cemetery. Some of our CSI members make the drive to help place and remove the wreaths. Some of you may have loved ones there. This year, a decision was made to use our CSI funding for more immediate community needs. We are reaching out to you, our members, to make you aware of this giving opportunity for the holiday season. Sadly, our Georgia National Cemetery (Canton, GA) struggles every year in getting enough donations to purchase wreaths to place on all of the Veterans’ gravesites – which is currently at 23,000+. The wreaths for ALL of our National Cemeteries, nationwide, are not Government sponsored. They are “donated” by private citizens through a wonderful organization called … Wreaths Across America. The following is the info you will need to make your donation(s):
· Call Wreaths Across America at: 1-877-385-9504 … Donations (credit cards accepted) can be made now through Nov. 25th (day before Thanksgiving Day) … which leaves plenty of time for you to participate and ensure the wreaths are allocated to the Georgia National Cemetery in time for the “2020 December/Holiday” season.
· When you place your call - please be sure to give the Cemetery Code #: GANCCA “and” Sponsor Group #: GA0023 … so your wreath contribution is sent “directly” to our Georgia National Cemetery.
· Wreaths are $15/each. But, for every “2” you buy at $15 each, your $30 will get an “extra/free” wreath sent to the cemetery … for a total of “3”.
Open your hearts to making this one of your “new” holiday traditions! It only takes a quick call, small amount of your time, to make a BIG difference. Do so with gratitude for those who were willing to sacrifice for this country and all who call her home of the free … because of the brave. Spread the word to your family and friends, so we can start a “domino effect” for “annual” donations to our Georgia National Cemetery to honor our Veterans’ gravesites. It will bring peace and comfort knowing no Veteran is forgotten. For more information, please contact Fran Ciszek directly. Thank you, in advance, for your donations!
Jesse’s House would like snacks, Target gift cards, entertainment items (DVD movies), craft sets and art supplies. They’re looking to keep busy.
Bald Ridge Lodge would like snacks, gallon zip lock bags, laundry pods, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, and paper products. They’re working on their independent cooking and laundry skills.
Thank you!!!!! Everything will be appreciated!
Many changes are coming to CSI this fall as we have tried to find new ways to continue to help those in need in our community. One new plan is the way we collect “Gator-aid” (the luncheon donations). Our luncheons have opened up again and slowly moving forward, so we’ll start be asking the women attending the meeting this month to bring items for the girls at Jesse’s House and the boys at Bald Ridge Lodge. (The items are listed below.) The twist is that if you are NOT attending the luncheon and still want to help out, we have collection drop off sites where you can do this. They are scattered all around the county. Just call ahead and see how that site is working. Usually it will be a marked box on the front porch and you will not need to make face to face contact (unless you want to). Are you willing to be a drop off site? Let me know.
The idea came from Liz McLaughlin who posted a notice within her community for help Meals By Grace by collecting plastics. This worked out so well, she started asking for food! Her community wanted to help and do something for others and she provided a way to do that. She has shared a letter that she used and if you are interested in starting something like this in your community, let me know and I’ll forward her letter. This approach has awesome possibilities!
A CSI tradition for the last few years has been to purchase wreaths to place on Veteran’s grave sites at the Georgia National Cemetery. Some of our CSI members make the drive to help place and remove the wreaths. Some of you may have loved ones there. This year, a decision was made to use our CSI funding for more immediate community needs. We are reaching out to you, our members, to make you aware of this giving opportunity for the holiday season. Sadly, our Georgia National Cemetery (Canton, GA) struggles every year in getting enough donations to purchase wreaths to place on all of the Veterans’ gravesites – which is currently at 23,000+. The wreaths for ALL of our National Cemeteries, nationwide, are not Government sponsored. They are “donated” by private citizens through a wonderful organization called … Wreaths Across America. The following is the info you will need to make your donation(s):
· Call Wreaths Across America at: 1-877-385-9504 … Donations (credit cards accepted) can be made now through Nov. 25th (day before Thanksgiving Day) … which leaves plenty of time for you to participate and ensure the wreaths are allocated to the Georgia National Cemetery in time for the “2020 December/Holiday” season.
· When you place your call - please be sure to give the Cemetery Code #: GANCCA “and” Sponsor Group #: GA0023 … so your wreath contribution is sent “directly” to our Georgia National Cemetery.
· Wreaths are $15/each. But, for every “2” you buy at $15 each, your $30 will get an “extra/free” wreath sent to the cemetery … for a total of “3”.
Open your hearts to making this one of your “new” holiday traditions! It only takes a quick call, small amount of your time, to make a BIG difference. Do so with gratitude for those who were willing to sacrifice for this country and all who call her home of the free … because of the brave. Spread the word to your family and friends, so we can start a “domino effect” for “annual” donations to our Georgia National Cemetery to honor our Veterans’ gravesites. It will bring peace and comfort knowing no Veteran is forgotten. For more information, please contact Fran Ciszek directly. Thank you, in advance, for your donations!
Jesse’s House would like snacks, Target gift cards, entertainment items (DVD movies), craft sets and art supplies. They’re looking to keep busy.
Bald Ridge Lodge would like snacks, gallon zip lock bags, laundry pods, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, and paper products. They’re working on their independent cooking and laundry skills.
Thank you!!!!! Everything will be appreciated!
SEPTEMBER NEWS
10:00 am Tuesday, September 8th - ZOOM
The months have been slowing creeping by and we still don’t seem to be making enough progress toward fighting off this virus. I understand why many of you are still hunkered down in your own bunkers just trying to feel safe. Some of us really need more contact with friends and family, and I understand this as well. We each do as feels comfortable for us. The need for food is still huge so please consider supporting groups like The Place of Forsyth and Meals by Grace. Both have ways to make donations online.
It’s hard to know the best way to go forward for our CSI group. CSI will host a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 am. Marybeth will set up the meeting and we’ll send out the meeting information. This will be a “Townhall” kind of meeting to share your ideas, what you feel comfortable doing and not doing and think of ways where we still can help those in our community. You are all invited. Please let me know if you would like to attend so we can get the information to you.
You still can collect those Boxtops though, and when you get your store receipts, scan them with the new BOXTOPS app and the money goes directly to Chestatee School. If you have clipped some, hold on to them and we’ll figure out a way to collect them. Thank you.
Be safe everyone.
The months have been slowing creeping by and we still don’t seem to be making enough progress toward fighting off this virus. I understand why many of you are still hunkered down in your own bunkers just trying to feel safe. Some of us really need more contact with friends and family, and I understand this as well. We each do as feels comfortable for us. The need for food is still huge so please consider supporting groups like The Place of Forsyth and Meals by Grace. Both have ways to make donations online.
It’s hard to know the best way to go forward for our CSI group. CSI will host a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 am. Marybeth will set up the meeting and we’ll send out the meeting information. This will be a “Townhall” kind of meeting to share your ideas, what you feel comfortable doing and not doing and think of ways where we still can help those in our community. You are all invited. Please let me know if you would like to attend so we can get the information to you.
You still can collect those Boxtops though, and when you get your store receipts, scan them with the new BOXTOPS app and the money goes directly to Chestatee School. If you have clipped some, hold on to them and we’ll figure out a way to collect them. Thank you.
Be safe everyone.
AUGUST NEWS
Our community continues to need any kind of help we can donate in the way of food. The Place of Forsyth and Meals by Grace continue to offer food to an amazing number of people who need the help. Meals by Grace, for example, has provided over 98,000 meals in the last 4 months. Anything you can do would be appreciated. The easiest way is to make a donation is to go online to their websites:
www.mealsbygrace.org www.theplaceofforsyth.org.
Both sites offer ways to support them. Egg cartons, laundry jugs, and small 16 oz- 20 oz containers are also needed by Meals by Grace and you can drop them off at their site in the Ingle’s shopping Center - 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040 on Tues-Friday 9am-4pm.
I am hoping that we will soon be able to start the CSI collections again by next month. CSI meetings are usually on hiatus over the summer and hopefully we will be able to restart the group in September as well. I don’t think the Senior living residences will be ready to accommodate us but Zoom is always a possibility. We might have to get creative!
Until then, please stay safe and look out for one another.
Thank you to Mary O’Neil for creating Gabby with mask!
www.mealsbygrace.org www.theplaceofforsyth.org.
Both sites offer ways to support them. Egg cartons, laundry jugs, and small 16 oz- 20 oz containers are also needed by Meals by Grace and you can drop them off at their site in the Ingle’s shopping Center - 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040 on Tues-Friday 9am-4pm.
I am hoping that we will soon be able to start the CSI collections again by next month. CSI meetings are usually on hiatus over the summer and hopefully we will be able to restart the group in September as well. I don’t think the Senior living residences will be ready to accommodate us but Zoom is always a possibility. We might have to get creative!
Until then, please stay safe and look out for one another.
Thank you to Mary O’Neil for creating Gabby with mask!
Past Events
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CSi Volunteers at The Place Fund Raiser.
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CSI members with school Counselor Kerry Bryant (second from left) and Principal Polly Tennies (standing on right)
Jim Yarborough is the director here and the rest are some of the seniors who agreed to have their picture taken. Fun!
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Chestatee Elementary School Receptionist
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Items collected on St. Patrick's Day
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Would you like more information about CSI? You can email CSI at CommunityServiceInvestigators2@gmail.com or send your comments or questions below.
