Thanks to Operation Friendship

Here are some thank you notes to Assistance League Secret Santa’s from our Canticle Place friends:

“My heart says thanks to your organization for the support, care and love!” – Walter C. and Ron Pearson

“Dear Ladies,

                You all are a gift to my life.  And your kindness lasts a life time.  Thank you so much for the gift cards they will come in handy.  I love you all and Jack too.” – Terry and Jack

“Dear Friends,

                Happy New Year!  I just wanted to thank you all for the many presents you gave me for Christmas.  I love my new sheets, they are so…soft!  And the two shirts fit me well.  The fragrant candle and M&M’s were icing on your kindness cake. I love opening everything on what could have been a very lonely Christmas morning.  You are all truly my earthly angels and you are always in my prayers.” –Joni and Fifi

“To Ladies League,

                Hello!  Just dropping you a thank you card for our Christmas presents.  We’re still using our gas cards.  We had Ken’s mother from N.C. for ten days for Christmas and the cards freed us up to get her something nice.  We really appreciate everything you ladies do for us.” – Alicia and Ken

**Operation Friendship is an outreach program to provide companionship events for individuals who live at Canticle Place in Wheaton. Canticle Place is a residential facility that offers dignified, affordable housing for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

Carla Feinkind to be honored at March 3 dinner - ALCW members invited to attend

Carla Feinkind

ALCW president Carla Feinkind, a leader for years in social action and justice, will be one of twenty-five recipients of Shalva's The Giving Voice Award on Thursday, March 3rd.

To commemorate its 25th anniversary, SHALVA is honoring twenty five women and men who have worked to facilitate change through their actions and collective voices. These honorees are advocates, volunteers and philanthropists. Their
commitment in speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves has no geographic or religious boundaries. They are dedicated individuals who work locally, nationally, in the Jewish community and beyond. Through their various forms of contributions, they are improving the quality of life for individuals and communities, as well as generations to come.  We are a better community because of their passion and commitment.

Shalva's 25th Anniversary Dinner will be held the evening of Thursday, March 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Chicago - 151 East Wacker Drive.  For more information, please contact Shalva at (773) 583-4673.

For those interested in attending the event to honor Carla, please call ALCW member Helene Paris at (773) 857-5388.

"We are very excited about honoring Carla and would love to have some of the members there that night," Helene said. "Shalva is the oldest organization in Chicago addressing the problem of domestic violence and has come to be regarded as the best source for counseling, training and advocacy."

Shalva offers free confidential domestic abuse counseling services to the Chicago Jewish Community and beyond.  Shalva provides culturally sensitive services in a safe and caring environment with a 24 hour crisis-line, legal information and support groups, financial assistance, community advocacy and training, information and referrals, community prevention and educational programs.

More Operation Early Reading students receive gift books

OER co-chair Carol Yee with the assortment
of books to be wrapped 

Assistance League of Chicagoland West received a second batch of donated books from Barnes and Noble after the holiday party. Members gathered at the office on December 14 to wrap the books as gifts for Operation Early Reading students at LaGrange Area Head Start, Anne M. Jeans School in Burr Ridge and Glen Hill School in Glendale Heights. Over 400 books were distributed in all. The students and their teachers appreciated the gift books and Barnes and Noble appreciating seeing the caring and commitment demonstrated by our organization. 

Heather Laughman lends a helping hand to Meg Cooper

Ricki Lessig cuts wrapping paper 

Trish Reider enjoys coffee from the new coffee maker
while wrapping books