Season of giving

Guest Column | Local organizations

Refugee and Immigrant Association

Happy holidays from the Refugee and Immigrant Association! Since 2016, we have been providing services that assist Africans living in Linn and Johnson County in achieving and maintaining economic self-sufficiency, family stability, and community integration.

We cordially invite you to join our campaign to Spread Warmth and Joy to Refugee and Immigrant Families! As the winter chill approaches, many families require warm essentials such as hats, gloves, coats, and boots, along with toys to bring joy to the children during this festive season. Additionally, as families prepare to gather for Christmas dinner, parents are in need of grocery store gift cards.

To learn more about the Refugee and Immigrant Association, please visit refugeeimmigrant.org. This is also where you can make a monetary donation if you wish to contribute. We can also be found at facebook.com/RIAssociation.

To donate gifts to refugees and immigrants, please email refugeeiowa@gmail.com for details when to drop them off. To donate by check, mail it to your preferred city below. Also, please feel free to call Jean Paul Mugemuzi at 319-383-9819 with questions.

Refugee and Immigrant Association

3260 Southgate Place SW #18

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Refugee and Immigrant Association

1566 S. Gilbert St

Iowa City, IA 52240

You we can make a tangible difference in the lives of these resilient families and bring a sense of warmth and joy to their holiday season. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a positive impact. Your generosity and kindness are deeply appreciated. Thank you and happy holidays!

Jean Paul Mugemuzi is a board member with the Refugee and Immigrant Association.

Honor and Respect LLC

Our family has been blessed to meet some amazing people through our business, Honor and Respect, LLC. Last weekend we were a vendor at the Festival of Trees in Cedar Rapids with the proceeds going to Tanager Place. This event was really well attended and organized by Brittany Barnhart with The Gazette. The estimate is that 10,000 people attended but for me the most memorable will be “Charlie.”

On Saturday a young boy came to our table. He was shy, wearing glasses and looked to be about 8-9 years old. I asked him if there was something he liked as he was looking at our stickers and wristbands. About that time a woman joined him who may have been his mom and she explained that my new friend didn’t like to spend money … ever. Mom eventually coaxed Charlie into telling her what he would like to purchase and he settled on a winter hat and a few small items.

On Sunday, as the very successful event was coming to a close and the winning bidders for the decorated trees and wreaths were picking up their items, my family and I lingered to try to find out who had purchased our donated tree. We walked over to the Honor and Respect tree to find Charlie and mom packing it up to take it home. Mom looked at me astonished and said, “This is YOUR tree? We didn’t even know that, we just liked it!” As part of the donation, we wrapped up a pair of our shoes for the winning bidder and they were adult-sized. Mom asked if we happened to have a pair that would fit “Charlie.” We made the exchange and I watched shy Charlie lace up his new shoes with a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye.

I couldn’t help but think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when I saw this sweet boy who is humble and not wanting to spend money or ask for anything. As we come into the holidays, we will count meeting this sweet boy as one of our blessings. Thank you, Charlie.

Bambi A. Slagle is team representative at Honor and Respect, LLC.

Area Substance Abuse Council

The Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) provides prevention, treatment, and recovery services year-round to those experiencing substance use and problem gambling disorders throughout Eastern Iowa.

This time of year, we strive to bring the magic of the holidays to our residential facilities through festive décor and a warm, inviting meal for patients to share together. For our facilities with children, ASAC staff members go above and beyond with a virtual giving tree, using personal resources to ensure each child has a gift to unwrap for the holidays.

In addition to the ongoing need for donated personal hygiene, healing, and household items, we are especially in need of food items as we plan for holiday meals across all seven counties that we serve. We accept canned food items and all unopened and uncooked foods and ingredients. You can also help give back to our patients by purchasing much-needed items from our Amazon wish lists, which can be found at asac.us/donate.

For those who want to help, but prefer to make monetary contributions, we accept donations of all amounts at asac.networkforgood.com.

• Give $50 … help advocate for local policies that promote living a healthier life.

• Give $175 … save a person’s life from an overdose.

• Give $256 … pay to educate children in your community on substance use prevention.

• Give $555 … cover the cost for one night of a life-changing residential stay.

Our staff will be volunteering at the 2023 Five Seasons Lights on Dec. 3 in Cedar Rapids. The event is free to the public, but all donations for that evening will benefit our programs and services at ASAC. Join us for a collection of festive light displays and enjoy holiday music!

Thank you in advance for your continued support. We wish you a safe, happy holiday season!

Chelsea Herber is director of fund development at ASAC.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services

"All people. Any time. Every time." The words of our mission resonate as we acknowledge the dedication of our team who remain available, offering support for those in crisis, regardless of the clock or occasion. It is important to highlight the selflessness of our team and people in similar roles, especially during the busy holiday season. We express our appreciation and gratitude to those who provide invaluable 24/7 services to keep our community safe and healthy.

Our gratitude extends to the essential workers who keep gas stations and stores open, standing ready to assist us in our moments of forgetfulness or last-minute needs during the holiday rush, health care workers keeping our loved ones safe, and law enforcement and emergency response providers. Their availability ensures that our loved ones remain cared for, and our celebrations continue without disruption.

At Foundation 2 Crisis Services, I want to share deep gratitude for our staff members who embody compassion and commitment, sacrificing their own holiday time to ensure our services remain accessible 24/7. Their unwavering dedication is the backbone of our mission.

I urge our community to consider small acts of kindness that carry immense meaning. Whether it's expressing appreciation to a health care provider, ordering pizzas for the staff of a nursing home, or dropping off doughnuts at a local nonprofit tirelessly serving our community day and night, these small gestures can improve morale and are aligned with the spirit of holiday giving.

Emily Blomme is executive director of Foundation 2 Crisis Services.

CommUnity Food Bank

More than 18,000 Johnson County residents used CommUnity Food Bank last year, and many households whose visits were once supplemental now depend on the Food Bank as their primary source of groceries. Inflation and cuts to government assistance programs have vastly increased the number of families in need.

Food insecurity is not a stand-alone issue. Families who don’t know where their next meal will come from also struggle to maintain housing, child care, job security and afford other basic needs. Financial strain creates ongoing stress, which leads to poor physical and mental health. All of this ultimately impacts the safety of our community and the ability for each resident to thrive. When our neighbors are doing well, we all experience a better quality of life.

If you find yourself with an abundance of resources, time, or warmth this holiday season, please consider supporting your neighbors in need through a donation of time, money, or food to CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank.

Sarah J. Nelson is CEO of CommUnity Food Bank.

The Arc of East Central Iowa

The Arc of East Central Iowa is wrapping up our 70th anniversary of supporting area residents and their caregivers who face life with a disability. What started in 1953 by a small group of families has turned into a movement. The Arc is a vital and valued resource for nearly 600 area families. We are honored to serve people with disabilities and their families in all stages of life, from day care and respite care to job training, advocacy and more.

One in four adults is diagnosed with a disability in the United States. The people The Arc serves may live in your home, be your neighbor, your co-worker, or a fellow citizen. Each of our individuals holds extraordinary value and when given the opportunity to use our services, we have seen them thrive in all corners of our community. For seven decades, we’ve had a front-row seat to all the moments big and small made possible by the generosity of others. Through the support of generations of our friends and neighbors, The Arc has been able to build our organization, develop programs to ensure our participants can live, learn, work, play and advocate with dignity and full inclusion in our community, and plan for the future.

Thank you to all who have supported The Arc and benefited from our programs. We are grateful for, and we celebrate our donors as we also look to the future and welcome new members into the Arc family. The Arc relies on the generosity of our community to bridge funding gaps in programs and services. A robust Arc provides families with stability, gives peace of mind, and allows caregivers to hold jobs and contribute to our local economy.

This holiday season, we invite you to join us by honoring someone you know diagnosed with a disability through a gift to The Arc of East Central Iowa. Your donation will ensure everyone has a place where they belong. Donate at https://arceci.org/donate/.

Jenny Bosking is development & communications director for the ARC.

Four Oaks

For many, the holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, for children in residential treatment at Four Oaks, it often means spending this festive time away from their families. Our community partners work with us to ensure children in residential care, despite their unique circumstances, can experience the warmth and happiness the season brings.

Youth in residential treatment often face complex issues, ranging from mental and behavioral health concerns to familial disruptions, making it all the more crucial to provide them with a sense of normalcy and inclusion during the holidays. At Four Oaks, we make it a priority to create an atmosphere that reflects the festive holiday season for these young individuals.

Organizing holiday celebrations for the residential facilities at Four Oaks makes a significant impact on a child’s well-being. Decorating common areas, arranging festive activities, and hosting special events creates a sense of belonging and happiness. Collaborating with local community partners to give gifts, organize special meals, or engage in holiday-themed activities can go a long way in bringing the joy of the season to youth at Four Oaks.

In the spirit of giving, let us come together to ensure every child in residential treatment at Four Oaks has the opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays. By fostering a sense of belonging and creating positive memories, we can contribute to the emotional well-being of the children and remind them that, even in challenging times, their community cares about them.

Please contact info@fouroaks.org to learn how you can become involved with Four Oaks this holiday season.

Mary Beth O’Neill, is president and CEO of Four Oaks.

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy

During the bustling holiday season, finding the sweet spot between organized and spontaneous activities is crucial for both children and adults to keep the Grinch at bay. Sometimes you just need a little break in the hubbub and jump on any chance you can for a little fun. At the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy through our array of one-and-done art classes and creative activities for everyone in the family. Allowing room for creative play in the arts not only fosters a harmonious balance during the season but also contributes to overall well-being, alleviating the stress associated with the anticipation of Santa's arrival!

This year, our nonprofit is excited to present a Winter Wonderland Workshop — a delightful, frosty extravaganza tailored for ages 5-11, offered free of charge. Join us on Dec. 15 for this enchanting experience, complete with a complimentary hot chocolate bar. Additionally, we invite adults to explore the unique world of printmaking and holiday cards on Dec. 7, utilizing unexpected materials like Coca-Cola and kitchen items. For those seeking warmth and coziness, our hand-knit chunky yarn blanket making class on the 12th provides a snugly, creative haven for adults, with students aged 12 and above welcome with an adult companion. And don't miss the opportunity to enroll in our four week Christmas tree Stained Glass Workshop, starting on Nov. 30, right after Thanksgiving.

Discover these and other unique classes for both adults and children by visiting www.easterniowartsacademy.org/classes. Not only do these programs offer enriching experiences, but they also contribute to a greater cause. All proceeds from our adult programs go toward AccessArts, our financial aid initiative for students in grades K-12.

Heather Wagner is executive director of the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy.

Camp Courageous

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational respite, and travel program for individuals of all ages with disabilities located in Monticello, IA. Campers, staff, and volunteers are getting ready to celebrate the holiday season in style at the Annual Holiday Party at Camp Courageous. This is an event that's specifically designed for individuals with disabilities up from the age of three on! The events take place at Camp Courageous from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 11th and 12th for Youth and December 13th for adults. This exciting party is the perfect way for campers to enjoy the season with dozens of other special education classes, groups, and facilities from all over the area.

During the Holiday Parties, campers can enjoy camp activities and Santa also plans to stop by for some cocoa and to hear everyone’s Christmas wish. The day will be capped off with an unforgettable dance that no one will want to miss. Best of all, the Holiday Parties at Camp Courageous is completely free.

To RSVP or learn more about how you can be a part of this event, reach out to Kaite Ryan at kryan@campcourageous.org today!

Sonya Belew is COO and HR director at Camp Courageous.