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Info 101: gving in Montgomery County this holiday season
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Lending a helping hand
‘Tis the season for giving, and the generous spirit is especially strong right now in Montgomery County, so join in, reach out, and lend a helping hand.
• Highly regarded State Representative Kate Harper, whose countless contributions to our community are well known, now turns her attention to the men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. And you can help her.
Now through November 20th, just go through your CD and DVD collections and set aside a few “gently-used” (or new) ones to donate to this latest Harper undertaking. As she explains, “Watching a good movie or listening to our favorite music is something most of us take for granted, but to a soldier serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, it is a luxury they rarely get to enjoy.”
Look for a decorated drop-off box in Harper’s office--1515 DeKalb Pike, Suite 106, Blue Bell--along with more in area township buildings. You can also drop off your CDs and DVDs in the main offices of these area high schools: North Penn, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, and Wissahickon.
For more information: Contact Representative Harper’s Blue Bell office at 610-277-3230.
• Exemplifying generosity is 12-year-old Emma Rose Shapiro who, last year founded—yes, at age 11—The Halloween Helpers. This totally grassroots effort gathers gently-used costumes—more than 2000--and donates them to children who would otherwise have to do without.
Mid-October costume distribution events take place at such venues as the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League (PAL). The few that are left behind are then given to the homeless and several charitable organizations.
Halloween Helpers collection boxes will be out again soon in schools, churches, synagogues, local businesses, and such organizations as the Girl and Boy Scouts. So, instead of storing or tossing this year’s costume, fold it up and set it aside. Next year, someone else will be gratefully wearing it.
As Emma reminds us: “. . . When you help other people, good things happen to you.”
And, in case you’re not ready to part with this year’s costume or it’s falling apart, consider making a financial contribution and send it to: The Halloween Helpers, P.O. Box 19, Wynnewood, PA 19096. Other options include holding a costume drive yourself, and/or volunteering to help with distributing and retrieving collection boxes or sorting and labeling costumes.
For more information: visit www.thehalloweenhelpers.com or email at TheHalloweenHelpers@gmail.com.
• Six years ago, then 13-year-old Blue Bell resident Anne Zapalac, distressed by all the poverty she witnessed in Norristown, brainstormed with her mom, Melodye, on how to help. Their solution: Startin’ School in Style (SSIS), which improves the lives of underprivileged Norristown girls throughout the year.
And you can be a part of that effort.
The organization collects new and gently-used girls’ clothing, together with such accessories as jewelry and purses, along with backpacks and never-used school supplies.
Their phones are ringing off the hook, with over 100 families in need of help.
The good news: SSIS has now teamed up with the Plymouth Meeting Mall, so recipients get to “shop” in a mall-like setting. What’s more, once outfits are selected—together with matching accessories—the “purchased” items are wrapped in tissue paper and placed in colorful shopping bags—with some school supplies added for good measure. All at no cost; all absolutely free to “shoppers.”
So be sure to head to the Plymouth Meeting Mall’s SSIS shop, located near the Customer Service Desk, to make your donations. And volunteer your time, too.
Shopping events will be taking place every weekend throughout November. There will also be a Santa Shopping event in mid-December.
Meanwhile, be sure to join in the fun at the Hillcrest Plaza’s East Norriton Township Holiday Parade, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on December 5th (Rain date: December 6th). The parade begins at East Norriton Middle School and ends at the shopping center, where you and your family will be treated to live entertainment, photo opps with Santa, carnival food and rides, and “awesome” raffle ticket prizes.
Best part: all proceeds benefit SSIS.
For more information: visit www.startinschoolinstyle.org or email at Melodye_Zapalac@HSB.com.
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