11:11:00 PM EDT
As published in the Blue Island Forum, issue date 2/21/07
By Jude Coyle
After we at An Angel’s Touch called an end to our Christmas activities, we met for an evening of story telling, of tears and of congratulations. One more time, I was reminded just how many people work hard to make this happen, and how hard the boss, Georgene Mitchell, works at bringing it all together. We have people who collect gently used clothing, household goods, new and used toys, coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves, and those who decorate stockings and collect stocking stuffers. When I write my thank you each year to the residents of Blue Island for all the help we received, I talk about my family’s experiences. I wish I could speak to the contributions others make. Simply, I don‘t know everyone, and each year more people join us.
This year my family concentrated on food collection, penny jars, with recruiting students from DDE, and collecting hats, and mittens for CEDA. One goal started out poorly, where the other goals brought pleasant surprises.
Our very first food drive didn’t materialize. Stagg High School usually shares food with us and another agency. They worked with the other agency long before they heard of us. So when they received less than previous years, they directed their donations to their first concern. They later sent us a cash donation, which was greatly appreciated. Other early food drives were incredibly small this year, and one of our District 130 schools was not able to conduct a drive at all. I panicked. I contacted the other schools and explained the situation, and I explained it to City Council and to friends. Charlene Finn collected contributions from parishioners at St. Philips Lutheran. Kerr Middle, Paul Revere Intermediate and Hale Middle extended their regular drives. First Lutheran donated gift certificates from Jewel, and Veteran’s Memorial extended their food drive, and held a toy drive as well. The Eisenhower Key and Leo Clubs held a household items drive. The Chamber of Commerce held a food drive at their annual Christmas dinner. St. Walter’s school held a sock drive. To my overwhelming surprise, we finished well. People I never met donated food and cash. I should point out that without my son, Jon, and his van, we would have never had the means to pick up any ofthe donations.
I contacted Sergeant Resendez and Master Sergeant Kirkland of DDE’s ROTC program. Although committed elsewhere on those weekends, they read my plea for help in their classes. My daughter, Becky, organized cadets, invited friends, and kept track of service hours.
Our penny jars were not as productive as last year’s were, but effective none-the-less. One day Dee at T&G’s stopped me before I could order lunch. “Take the jar,” she whispered. “Bring me a new one later.” A Blue Island Cop wanted to be sure that the money went to us before he dropped a in $10 bill. Dee wanted to be sure that no one stole the jar. Yes, Sir, we got it. Thank you, both, very much.
We promised last year to work with CEDA because the children who attend their preschool are the poorest of the poor. Many times even 99 cent gloves or hats are an expense that can’t be squeezed into the budget. I told Rose Rita about our plans, and Rose spread the word. I also mentioned it to my sister-in-law, Debby. Although short of our goal, their efforts helped tremendously.
One of the many requests we received this year came in letter form addressed to Georgene. Allen wanted a baseball and mitt, Alex wanted a basketball for Christmas, and Mom was ill and lost her job. Please, could we help? Georgene said that she was positive that she wouldn’t be able to find baseball equipment at this time of the year, and she had given away at least 3 basketballs. She doubted she’d find another. She set the letter aside long enough to sort through new donations. The first thing she came across was a brand new mitt, tags and all, with a pristine white hardball nestled in the palm. The very next box she opened had a basketball in it. “I think God meant us to help this family,” Georgene said.
Another family had lost Mom last year. This year Dad was diagnosed with cancer and wasn’t expected to make it to Christmas. He wanted to enjoy one last holiday with his son. We were able to help provide an early Christmas. I’m not sure about the family, but those who participated from AAT, felt like God had granted them a huge gift.
We helped 50 families this year, the St. Vincent de Paul pantry at St. Benedict’s, Guild Haus, CEDA and the Salvation Army. From what I understand, these organizations can use more help.
We set up a blog. The address is http://journals.aol.com/BlueIslandAngels/An-Angels-Touch. Please feel free to visit anytime and leave comments.
A very big thank you to all who helped to make this year happen. Particularly Blue Island Police and Fire Departments, the City’s Clerk’s Office; Mayor Peloquin and City Council; Alderman Rose Rita, John Rita, and family; Aldermen Leticia Vieyra, and Linda Dertz: City Attorney Cary Horvath; the Chamber of Commerce; the Blue Island Park District; Veteran’s Memorial, Kerr and Hale Middle schools, Paul Revere Intermediate School, DDE Leo Club, Key Club and ROTC; St. Rita High School; Stagg High School; Teacher Lori Campione and St. Walter’s School, St. Benedicts Junior Girl Scouts; First Lutheran Church, St. Philip Lutheran Church, Accurate Perforating, Evergreen Oak Electric, Gerry Goodwrench Foundation; St. Francis Hospital, C&D Rental, LaUnica Food Store, the Simborg Family, The Blue Island Forum, Jem Reality, Jim & Carol Riehl, Debby Coyle, Marilyn Schroeder, Lori McCullem, Charlene and Eric Finn, Pele Hayes, Willie Scott, Karen Burmiester, Teddy Ruthenberg, Ed, Jon and Becky Coyle, Jenica and Matt Schultz Taylor, Mitch Siegel, Melanie Rickerson, Kathrine Mathis, Cadets Lupe Fernandez, Tony Favelall and Aja White; Bob Hennesy, Pat Disabato, Nancy Sevino and Headlines patrons; Pam’s Corner Store, Blue Island Video, Korbakes, Flowers by Bartles, Flowers by Cathe, Joe Bertucci Insurance, T&G’s, Beggar’s Pizza, Guiseppe’s Pizza, Pappas Restaurant. As always, if I’ve forgotten someone, I apologize for the oversight. I thank each and every donor.
