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Newton family teams up with local organizations to help the homelessJul 10, 2012 (Newton Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Newton resident Renae Heikkila and her family finished last year's Christmas scrubbing tables and washing dishes. They had just helped prepare a big meal with all the trimmings, and their guests were humble, cleaning right alongside them. Afterward, Heikkila returned her family to their home in Newton, but some of their guests did not have a home to return to. The Jasper County family gave up their Christmas to help feed and clothe the homeless at a shelter in Des Moines, but this holiday, the Heikkilas want to keep the effort closer to home. "We learned a whole new definition for 'I need something,'" Heikkila said. "We asked ourselves, 'Do we want to do that again?' And we decided we wanted our efforts to stay in Newton and Jasper County." Teaming up with the Newton Elks and The Salvation Army, Heikkila has formed Newton -- A Community United. The group has begun the fundraising process to host a Thanksgiving holiday meal and clothing drive for local homeless and needy. According to the Salvation Army, nearly 100 people seek out a meal from their Jasper County location every week, and Heikkila said this shows a need for help around the holidays. The group is taking donations for clothing, coats, hats, gloves and even Chapstick. Cash donations will be used to prepare a meal for marginalized families at the Elks' Lodge on Thanksgiving day. Heikkila said that the Newton Elks have donated their space and will assist in preparing the meal. They also will be accepting the charitable donations on behalf of Community United, including cash and checks. The group also is designing a T-shirt that local businesses can sponsor. Heikkila said that the top three sponsorship spots on the shirt will go to businesses or organizations that donate $500, and they will receive five free shirts. A listing of businesses will follow down the back of the shirt for those who donate $100. Today, Heikkila said Community United will be at Newton's Oldham Redemption Center collecting cans and bottles beginning at 10 a.m. "The people in Des Moines were so humble and so grateful," Heikkila said. "If every body helps, this effort in Jasper County will be a huge success." For those interested in donating or for more information on Newton -- A Community United, contact LeAnn Karsten at (641) 275-2001 or Renae Heikkila at (763) 234-1961. Mike Mendenhall can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 422 or via email at [email protected]. ___ (c)2012 the Newton Daily News (Newton, Iowa) Visit the Newton Daily News (Newton, Iowa) at www.newtondailynews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |