SHEBOYGANITES RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR TREMENDOUS VOLUNTEER EFFORTS AT THE SALVATION ARMY

Sheboygan, Wis., - “When we all work together to fight poverty, we are truly a force to be reckoned with.” Those were the words spoken by Major Alan Hellstrom at The Salvation Army’s 2nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Event held on Tuesday, February 24th.

Outstanding volunteers and bell ringers were honored for their contributions of time. The top five individual bell ringers, including the number of hours they rang, are: Jim Maratik – 28 hours, Ron Rauwerdink – 30 hours, Margie Shedore – 32 hours, Ray Dax – 42 hours and Harold Phillips – 52 hours.

The top five groups that rang the bell, including their hours, were: First Congregational UCC – 38 hours, Kohler Middle School – 52 hours, St. Dominic’s – 82 hours, South High Honor Society – 84 hours and holding the new record is St. Mark’s Lutheran Church – 100 hours. Calculations included the Christmas in July campaign as well as our seasonal bell ringing during November and December 2008.

Annual spotlight awards were given for extraordinary contributions throughout the year: Altrusa Service Group for managing the evening food pantry one Wednesday a month, Steve D’Amico for delivery driving, Betty Rather for 7 years of weekly grocery shopping for the homeless shelter, Sam Salm for his many hours of service to our family store, and Dan Pastoor for transporting youth to the after school programs.

“Volunteers are our life line here at The Salvation Army,” says Mary Piehl, volunteer coordinator. “We wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do without the help of so many loyal volunteers.”

For information on how you can volunteer with The Salvation Army, please contact Mary Piehl at (920) 458-3723 ext. 33 or by email at mary_piehl@usc.salvationarmy.org.

The Penny War

Kohler Elementary School was presented with a traveling trophy and ice cream party last week as part of a thank you from The Salvation Army and the Plymouth and Sheboygan United Way. The Penny War took in a total of $1,911 and Kohler Elementary came in at $848.19. THANK YOU!!

Wisconsin State FEMA allocations increase 53% for Sheboygan County

Sheboygan, Wis., - The FEMA Board will meet February 26th at 10 a.m. at the Park Plaza Apartments Community Room, 909 Ontario Avenue in Sheboygan. They will determine which Sheboygan County non-profit social service agencies will receive portions of the money allocated by the FEMA Federal Agency. The public is invited to attend.

This year, the board which consists of representatives from 10 to 15 various Sheboygan social service agencies along with community members, will have to decide how much and who gets what of the $47,370. This was a 53% increase from last year’s allocation of $31,000. Wisconsin State Set-Aside Committee Chair Susan Panek wrote that poverty rates and unemployment played a big part in the increase of funding in Sheboygan County. The allocation is considered Phase 27 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds.

Social service agencies that are not for profit and that serve Sheboygan County residents relating to food and shelter are invited to apply for funding.

Agencies wishing to apply for portions of the funding must contact the Secretary of the local FEMA Board Char Neitzel-Goostree at The Salvation Army, 710 Pennsylvania, 920.458.3723 X13. Applications must be received by February 25th.