Editor’s Note: This story and accompanying photograph are advertising content for the Jamestown Sun’s 2024 “Community Cheerleaders” special segment. The special segment features volunteers from the community.
JAMESTOWN – SMP Health – Ave Maria residents give back to others in so many ways, Peggy Widmer, Chief Operating Officer.
“In the beginning, a lot of them were very worried in their network, so they were just looking to feel new and get that goal back in life,” he said.
Residents who need help, Widmer said.
Some of the projects being carried out by citizens include the manufacture of beds for dogs and cats, clothing donated to the James River Humane Society, and hygiene kits and dresses made from pillowcases for young women distributed through Orphan Grain Train.
They raised $1,200 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital by promoting pins, held a holiday food drive for the Community Action Region VI Pantry and raised $500 for Running of the Pink by folding napkins for donations.
Residents made dreamcatchers for students at White Shield School, bookmarks for third- and fourth-graders at St. Louis Academy. Shield, and bookmarks for third and fourth graders. John’s and Roosevelt Elementary, cookies for the A Moment of Freedom bake sale, and little hearts for the NICU at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.
After a shooting in Fargo in which a gunman killed a police officer and wounded two other officers, citizens went to the Jamestown Police Department with small “Lifesaver” jars and bought them sandwiches and drinks, Widmer said.
Annie Hancock, director of development, said they also support residents’ efforts.
“This says a lot about our team and our mission,” he said.
Annie Hancock, director of development, noted that Ave Maria was a place to drop off coats for children, but when the Salvation Army cut it off, they took it to the Rotary Club to see if they could take it instead. The Board of Directors agreed and introduced the “Get Winterized with Rotary” crusade to gather jackets, boots, snow pants, gloves, and other warm winter clothing.
More than 50 families were helped last year through the efforts of the Rotary network. More than 500 pieces were collected and distributed one day of distribution. Hancock said all of the remaining pieces from that day were donated to Community Action Area VI, the Orphan Grain Train and an elementary school. School where young people without winter clothes can enjoy the winter holidays.
Rotary will spearhead that effort this year in September, and Ave Maria will be a place of giving, Hancock said.
“I feel like if I hadn’t painted at a stall like Ave Maria that promotes netpainting and volunteering, I don’t think I would have done projects like this,” she said. declared. ” So I’m grateful for that courage. . . that atmosphere of generosity that exists here. “
For his paintings with the Coats for Kids Project and his volunteer paintings, Hancock won this year’s Above and Beyond award from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.