Help Palatine-based WINGS take flight again after June fire

WINGS needs you to help it rise from the ashes and take flight.

That's the call leaders of the Palatine-based domestic violence agency have put out to people through an online grant program known as the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Women in Need Growing Stronger is currently in the running for $250,000. But only two organizations will receive the funding, and WINGS is currently ranked 479th based on online votes.

Should voters propel the group into contention, WINGS would put $200,000 toward building costs. Its Palatine resale shop - it was the most profitable of the three it operated - burned to the ground in June following a severe storm.

Another $25,000 would go toward construction-related project management and the remaining $25,000 toward demolition of the remaining charred white structure on Northwest Highway.

WINGS, which serves more than 400 women and children each year and runs 24 transitional homes and a safe house, is still searching for a permanent site to reopen its Palatine resale shop.

Now through Aug. 31, anyone can vote at refresheverything.com/wingsprogram or by texting 101932 to Pepsi (73774) from a mobile phone. One vote per project per day is allowed.