St. Charles Noon Kiwanis to give $60,000 to local agencies
More than $60,000 is slated to be given to local agencies by the St. Charles Noon Kiwanis Club this year. Under the leadership of finance chairman Denis Haggerty, the finance committee evaluated and designated the thousands of dollars raised. This week, $2,000 was presented to two agencies by Kiwanis President John Radman. Diane DeWitte serves as liaison to these organizations.
Fox Valley Pregnancy Center Executive Director Ruth Lueck received a check for $1,000. The pregnancy center has been aiding area families for more than 24 years.
Kiwanis is specifically donating to purchase diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. A newborn uses 10-12 diapers per day and tapers down as the baby ages. By the time the baby is 2½ years old, 7,000 diapers have been used. In one month alone, Fox Valley Pregnancy Center gives out 24,800 diapers.
One Kiwanis member, Richard Zang, and his family, found a special way to help out at Christmastime. Instead of exchanging gifts, the family collects gifts “from Baby Jesus” and gives them all to Fox Valley Pregnancy Center.
Mid Valley Special Education Cooperative's Executive Director Carla Cumblad was also presented a check for $1,000. Mid Valley's mission is to empower students with complex disabilities to become independent.
Kiwanis is specifically donating to purchase special high-back swing sets, which are designed to accommodate those who would not normally be able to swing. In addition to giving freedom to the one using the swing, it incorporates other children into the picture to help push the person swinging. Cumblad brought photos of the children using the special swings and the joy was evident.
Mid Valley Special Ed Coop works through Kaneland, Central, St Charles and Geneva school districts. It works with those who need help above and beyond what the normal school district can handle. The age group served is 3 to 22 years. Right now the organization owns one building on Ronzheimer Avenue and serves 240 students. Most of the students attend regular schools and the Mid Valley staff travels to each.