With worries about state funding, Christian Child Care can still bank on Together for Lincoln

[July 15, 2009]  Due to budget issues and the price of running a day care, Christian Child Care doesn't have a maintenance or janitorial budget. Big projects are often put on hold. "Our children deserve a place that's exciting and beautiful, that they can be proud of," says Coleen Moore, director of the center.

But last year Together for Lincoln stepped in to help with those big projects the organization did not have the time or money to focus on. During the first Together for Lincoln Service Project Day, a crew of approximately 20 people painted the day care's main hall, pulled weeds, cut overgrowth, cleaned gutters, shampooed several rugs, and washed many outside windows and screens.

The project was "exciting and wonderful," Moore says. "Many different people from different churches, many that I'd never met, came together with a desire to help. All that camaraderie, laughter and getting to know each other. It was so positive.

"I think a lot of people have a desire to help but don't really know how. This is the perfect opportunity to give."

The event was so positive that Christian Child Care has applied for Together for Lincoln's Service Project Day: Round 2. They have a to-do list: paint more walls, deep clean floors, clean gutters and get old wax off some floors. "But really we want to meet some more amazing people," Moore says.

"I think there are a lot of organizations like us that haven't thought about asking for help. But if you don't ask, you don't know. If you don't knock on doors, you can't get them answered," explains Moore. "You don't want a ‘no' to keep you from moving ahead. Programs like Together for Lincoln help us move forward and plan for the future.

"I also want our kids here to learn about giving back. You have to teach children at a young age that volunteering is fulfilling and can add so much. The more you give, the more you get."

Moore encourages people in the community to spread the word about Together for Lincoln. "Talk about it now and get the word out there. People may have extra paint or cleaning supplies but not know there's a need. If you're talking about it and getting excited about it, we can all bring something to the table," Moore explains. "We all have great skills and you never know what someone is capable of."

Moore also assures anyone interested that the application process is easy and painless. "If you want to volunteer, you fill out a piece of paper and they assign you. If you need help, like us, they just say, ‘What do you need?' A lot of people have a honey-do list but maybe don't have the honey to do. This is the day to do it, the day to ask. They'll move furniture, they'll fix a hole in your wall. It can be big, it can be small. They want to help. Just ask," she says.

"What an amazing program. Every town should come up with something like this."

About Together for Lincoln's Service Project Day: Round 2

Volunteers from churches across the Lincoln community will join forces again this year for the Together for Lincoln Service Project Day: Round 2 on Sept. 27.

Last year, over 1,000 volunteers representing 14 local churches served at approximately 120 different project sites. The projects were conducted at people's homes, community organizations and in public spaces. The projects included, but were not limited to, painting, roadside cleanup, wheelchair ramp construction, visiting nursing home residents, yardwork and much more. 

This year's event will once again conclude with an interdenominational worship service that evening. Last year's worship service welcomed over 1,000 people to wrap up the day of service and camaraderie.

Volunteers can serve in many capacities, from carpentry work to visiting nursing home residents. Project leaders will be assigned to each project and will be responsible for overseeing the work of each project and contacting the volunteers on their team.

Any Lincoln resident or organization is welcome to apply for assistance.

Both assistance and volunteer applications are currently available at Action Rental, 101 S. Kickapoo St.; State Bank of Lincoln, Wal-Mart Branch, 825 Malerich Drive; and all partner churches. All applications can be mailed to: Together for Lincoln, PO Box 501, Lincoln, IL 62656.

The deadline for assistance applications is Aug. 15. Priority will be given in the order in which they are received. Project leaders will be assigned on or before Aug. 29. Together for Lincoln will contact the resident or organization with further information. 

For more information about Together for Lincoln's Service Project Day: Round 2, contact Together for Lincoln at 217-671-6093 or visit www.togetherforlincoln.org.