The Newsletter of Monroe County United Ministries December 2012

ogether‘Tis the Season

to Make a DifferenceMCUM offers a long list of holiday giving opportunities for you, your family, congregation, or club, including:

• donate hams and turkeys to make holiday meals

• organize an arts & crafts drive for MCUM’s Childcare Program

• honor a loved one through a donation to provide affordable childcare or basic needs assistance services

• donate a holiday food basket to ensure festive holiday meals

• organize a drive to collect socks and underwear to help adults and children stay warm and clean this winter

• make a donation to the rent & utility fund and help a local family stay in their home this winter

For more information about how you can make a difference, visit www.mcum.org. Just click on the snowflakes for giving options, lists, and instructions.

The Impact of GivingWe donate our time, energy, and money to nonprofit organizations knowing that our efforts will benefit others who need assistance, but it’s not often that we hear directly from actual clients about what a difference we make. So here are just two examples of the lasting impact your efforts make for your neighbors.

Holiday Support“About 15 years ago, my daughter was a single mom and [had] three children under the age of five. She was struggling with trying to support her family and go to Ivy Tech. Your agency reached out to her and provided childcare and support. I will never forget walking into her apartment near Christmas and in the middle of her living room was this huge box of food and Christmas presents for each of [the] kids and herself. I will never forget that as long as long as I live. My daughter has since remarried to a wonderful man... [and] the two youngest are now in high school and the oldest was accepted to Rose Hulman on full scholarship and is a freshman. [My grandchildren] are very grateful for your help and again thank you.”

Appreciation for our Community“I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am that people as wonderful as you and an organization as wonderful as yours exist. If it weren’t for your food pantry I wouldn’t eat from time to time. We are so fortunate in Monroe County that we have the community that we do. You won’t go hungry in Bloomington. Happy Holidays to you and yours!”

If you make a donation to MCUM this holiday season, you are providing compassionate support for your neighbors. You can do indelible good for others with a gift of any size, using the enclosed envelope or making a donation at www.mcum.org. Thank you for faithfully supporting MCUM and our community.

A MCUM preschooler enjoys her moment with Santa.

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Food Pantry NeedsThe pantry welcomes donations of all non-perishable foods, but we currently have a special need for the following items:• canned fruit, dried fruit (such as raisins),

and applesauce• baking mixes• canned meats - chicken & dumplings,

salmon, beef stew, chili• jelly, jam, & pancake syrup• pie crust mix

Frozen items are also welcome, including:• whole chickens, frozen• 1-2 pound packages of ground beef

Cleaning Closet NeedsCleaning supplies and hygiene products can’t be purchased with food stamps and are in high demand. Help restock our shelves with:• new athletic socks for adults• new underwear for adults and children• baby wipes• cleaners - window, bathroom, floor• toothbrushes• facial tissues• shampoo & conditioner

Childcare NeedsThe Childcare Program still needs all kinds of classroom supplies, including:• shoe-box size plastic containers with lids• Crayola washable markers• cotton balls• wooden clothespins• magnet strips with adhesive• non-toxic dry erase markers• glue sticks

Volunteer Opportunities

For more information about these or other positions, visit www.mcum.org, call 339-3429, or contact help@mcum.org.

Featured Volunteer PositionsFood Drive Assistants: Drivers are needed to collect food donations at collection sites around the community and deliver them to MCUM during the Winter Food Drive. Are you willing to be called on to make an occasional pickup during December? The schedule is very flexible but pick ups usually need to happen 8 a.m. -4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Pantry Assistants: Volunteers are always needed to sort food donations and bag groceries in the Emergency Food Pantry. Set your own schedule during office hours, once you are trained. Light lifting required. Saturday morning hours are available in December!

Special Event Planners: Got an eye for design or decorating? Help plan fundraising events for MCUM! Volunteer as much or as little as you’d like. Contact Alison at 339-3429 x16 or fundraising@mcum.org.

Opportunity House Volunteers: Opp House is a resale shop at 907 W. 11th Street and is MCUM’s important partner. Volunteers are especially needed to sort and price items and serve as cashiers. Call 336-2443 for more information.

Share your hobby!: Our preschool children love to learn about new things. Are you willing to spend a few hours sharing your interests with young children?

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Thank you!We would like to thank...

• St. Mark’s United Methodist Women for providing MCUM with shoeboxes full of fun for the children of families in crisis.

• American Legion Post 18 for donating holiday turkeys as well as food for the Emergency Food Pantry.

• First United Church for their many forms of support.

• Jerry Cravens, Norm Overly, and Lorne Aubin for their service on the MCUM Board of Directors.

• The First Christian Church Youth for donating bags of goodies to the preschoolers in our Childcare Program.

• University Baptist Church for collecting and donating 2,130 pounds to the Emergency Food Pantry so far this year.

• Les Bonnes Amies for donating socks and underwear to benefit those in need.

• the volunteers of Opportunity House for another year of service!

More Matching Money Available Through Matchstick

MCUM’s Matchstick Campaign through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County continues. For every two dollars donated by the community, the foundation will add an additional dollar to MCUM’s endowment, which will benefit MCUM’s programs for as long as they are needed. So when we raise $7,000, the foundation will add an additional $3,500.

We still need to raise $2,000 to meet that goal. Donations should be made directly to:

Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County 101 W. Kirkwood, Suite 321 Bloomington, Indiana 47404.

Don’t forget to note that the donation is for MCUM’s endowment. For more information about this opportunity, contact Rebecca Stanze at (812)339-3429 x15 or development@mcum.org. To check on our current campaign balance, contact the foundation at (812) 333-9016.

Thank You for Never Growing Up!On Thursday, November 8, 2012, nearly 60 new supporters crowded into MCUM’s Childcare Center to learn more about the importance of affordable, high-quality childcare and basic needs assistance at our first “Never Grow Up!” FUNdraiser. While the event raised $1,290 to support our programs, more importantly guests were engaged with our mission and discovering ways they can support their neighbors through games and activities. Many attendees made Thanksgiving cards for our enrolled preschoolers, and then received cards back from members of the Otter Classroom!

We would like to thank our dedicated volunteers for taking on varied tasks to ensure a successful event, including making “Fire” Ants on a Log! Thank you to Soup’s On, Upland Brewing Company, Brown County Winery, The Rail, and Baked! of Bloomington for providing delicious redesigned kid food and beverages. The options available, ranging from southwest tofu dogs to black bean rainbow chard burritos, appealed to guests of all different taste persuasions. Finally, thank you to Indiana Running Company and Olson and Company, CPAs, for generously sponsoring this FUNdraiser. Bloomington is so fortunate to have a strong community dedicated to serving the needs of its vulnerable neighbors.

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Sample Language for Your Will or TrustMaking a bequest to MCUM is a simple way to show your long-term commitment to helping our neighbors in need.

Sample Bequest Language:I hereby leave [specific dollar amount/specific property/specific percentage/rest and remainder, etc.] of my estate to Monroe County United Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in Bloomington, Indiana, to be used for the benefit of the organization in such manner as the board of directors may elect.

Make an Impact with an Estate Plan

How long have you been a MCUM supporter? Do you volunteer? Donate food? Organize a mitten drive within your club? Make a financial donation? No matter how you support MCUM, you can ensure a meaningful impact on this important community organization by making a gift through your estate plan. A simple bequest (a dollar figure, percentage, or remainder) can go a long way to making sure our programs are available for as long as they are needed.

The Hope That Comes With HelpWith her sister at her side, Martha sat at Cliff’s desk discussing her current situation, quietly undergoing a chemotherapy treatment during the interview. She shared with him the difficulties she was facing—in March, she was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. Although she has been employed on and off at the same company for five years (the latest stint for two years), she has been unable to work because of her illness and treatment. While the company is holding her job for her, Martha has no income at this point. She will be able to resume work in a few months after completing her chemo treatment, but she needed to apply for short-term disability from the federal government because her company does not offer disability. She is still waiting anxiously for federal assistance.

To help her through a trying period of her life, Martha respectfully requested assistance with her rent, water/sewer bill, and electric bill. Cliff pledged to help Martha with these expenses so that she could keep the power and water on in her own home. Martha has a long road ahead of her, but with renewed employment and better health around the corner, we have the highest hopes that she’ll be back on the path to self-sufficiency.

Thank You, VolunteersVolunteers make our programs possible! Thank you to all those who shared their valuable time and talent with us recently, including:

Loretta AlonsoSaksham BhatiaCatelyn BierlyMarti BlackMary Beth BoyerScot A. BrownGabrielle BurressMary CarpenterDavid ChiangMargaret ChittumWendi ChitwoodGreg ClarettoBrittany CorenKasey CrousePhil DavisBrian DrummyMasie DuncanSeth Elgar

Jake FehrenbachJalynne FoleyNeal GammonsShirley GoinsEmily GrahamBrad HandlerLarry JacobsBrandon JonesJosh KrinickJennifer LloydRebecca MandellKatelyn McCoyValerie MerriamGail MerrillChris MeyerDonna MichaelCaitie MoserMegan Muehling

Sarah ParrishBryan ParrottSagar PithadiaTed PolleyDanielle PoteshmanBetty SchoonmakerPaul SchoonmakerEmily SongCordaryl TaylorSusie TrislerShantia UsherOllie WaldonDeven WashingtonJeff YoderKatie YoderAmy Young

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Cell Phone RecyclingWhen you upgrade your cell phone, stop to consider how to dispose of your old one responsibly. Some “recycling” programs ship phones to developing countries where they put human lives and natural resources in danger. MCUM is paid per phone ($0.50 - $35) by a recycling/refurbishing company with zero landfill and no-export policies. In addition, your phone will raise money to fund our programs.

Phones can be donated at Opportunity House, MCUM’s offices, and anywhere MCUM items are collected.

Clip Labels and Box Tops

Looking for an easy way to help? Collect Labels for Education from Campbell’s products and Box Tops for Education from General Mills products. Just clip this:

or this:

from products you already buy and send them our way. These logos may be in unexpected places so keep your eyes open!

Staff Spotlight: Traci MehayMariah Winne, High School Intern

Traci Mehay has been Childcare Director at MCUM for 11 years. As Childcare Director, Traci takes care of hiring staff and the licensing and accreditation of the program, maintains records, and works with parents and kids.

In 1991, Traci was hired by MCUM to run a summer camp. “I hadn’t fathomed that 10 years later, I’d be back,” Traci said. Before she returned to MCUM, she had only worked with kids of school age, so coming in to run a Childcare Program was completely new. “Nothing drew me [to early childhood education] until I was here,” Traci said, “coming back and doing early childhood education seemed so natural.”

For Traci, every day is different. She doesn’t have a daily schedule stating what needs to be done at the same time every day, and she believes that’s a good thing. “If I had a job where I had to do the same thing every day, I would go bonkers,” Traci said. “I really go with the flow of whatever’s going on. There is no normal day.”

Thank You, Pantry DonorsWe depend on donations from individuals and groups throughout the year. Listed here are some of the groups and households who have recently contributed food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products:

Russell ChanceJef & Pam DavidsonFairview United Methodist ChurchFirst Christian ChurchFirst Presbyterian ChurchBrad & Susanne GalinGood Neighbors Home Extension ClubDorothy E. HanveyMcDoel Baptist ChurchOpportunity HouseRandy & Jane PittBasilla Jean Rogers

Simpson Chapel United Methodist ChurchSt. Charles Borromeo Church, Daughters of IsabellaSt. Charles Catholic SchoolSt. Mark’s United Methodist ChurchLana & Tristan StanfordTrinity Episcopal ChurchUnitarian Universalist ChurchUniversity Baptist ChurchWoodhaven Christian Church

Changes May Impact Your Loved OnesWill you be seeing a relative who receives Social Security, SS Disability, Veteran’s or Pension benefits this holiday season? Anyone still receiving paper checks will be automatically converted to pre-paid debit cards on March 1 unless they sign up for direct deposit, which may be a more secure choice for your loved ones. Visit www.godirect.gov for more information.

Staff Puffins Seahorses

Announcements For Parents

Childcare Classroom Calendars

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December 3-7 - Preparing for WinterBrrrr, it is getting cold out and we need to get ready. This week the Seahorses will talk about how animals get ready for winter and how humans get ready for winter. This week the Seahorses will experiment with ice and play with snow inside, as well as maybe outside? We will read stories about snowmen, including a famous one named Frosty. Do not forget the Holiday Program on the 3rd.

December 10-14 - Fairy TalesOnce Upon a Time there were eleven Seahorses. Come in and join the Seahorses as we read and talk about some of the oldest stories around, fairy tales. We will sign some of the stories such as The Three Bears and act out some such as Cinderella. This week the Seahorses will play with puppets and make up their own stories. Who is knocking at the door? We will see if the Seahorses can guess who is knocking at the door and finish telling us the story.

December 17-24 - HolidaysThis week the Seahorses will compare how their own and other families celebrate the holidays. What is your favorite part of the holiday? The Seahorses will decorate the room and we will definitely be doing a lot of singing and dancing this week. We will make ornaments that we can keep forever and do a countdown to our holiday vacation.

The Seahorses would like wish everyone a safe and happy holidays.

The annual MCUM HolidayProgram will be held on Monday,December 3, 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Tri-North Middle School. All friendsand family are invited to enjoy theshow and a light refreshments together.

MCUM will be closed December24 - January 1. We look forward tostarting the new year with you onJanuary 2.

The Puffin Room previously served 2 - 2.5 year olds. This room was closed in August 2011 as a cost-saving measure due to continuing funding challenges. Although we had hoped to re-open this classroom sometime in 2012 funding did not allow for it. This room will continue to sit empty as our waiting list grows.

We are excited to announce the parent involvement opportunities for December:Dec. 3: Holiday ProgramDec. 3: Santa Helpers Wrap GiftsDec. 4: Santa Helpers Wrap GiftsDec. 5: Lunch with Your ChildDec. 12: Lunch with Your ChildDec. 13: Santa’s Visit!Dec. 19: Lunch with your child

Watch the bulletin board in the childcare lobby for all of the fun activities we have planned!

Childcare Director: Traci MehayEduc. Coordinator: Tina PenderCook: Bob AdkinsAssistant Cook: Derrick Mackie

Puffins: room closed

Seahorses: 2 - 3 year oldsTeacher: Marycarole MatlockAide: Sarah Norzinskay

Penguins: 3 year oldsTeacher: Kim ClayAide: Emily Walden

Otters: 4 year oldsTeacher: Jessica MackieAide: LaDawn Joyner

Dolphins: 5-6 year oldsTeacher: Brock SingletonAide: Serenity Guthrie

Penguins Otters Dolphins

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December 3-7 - Planets/Outer SpaceThis week we will talk all about the planets and outer space. We will discuss what planet we live on and the other planets in our solar system. We will also be talking about the moon and the stars which is something every child finds fascinating. We will also play a computer game where the students will learn all about outer space.

December 10-14 - FamilyWe are getting very close to the holidays and what better subject to talk about than families. We will read books about all kinds of different families, and will learn that no two families are alike. We will do projects at school as well as send some things home so our students can work with their families on their project.

December 17-21 - Holidays/WinterIt’s the most wonderful time of the year! This week is all about the holidays, we will make ornaments to hang on our classroom tree and decorate the room for this festive season. On Friday we will have a little holiday party before our long break. We are sure that the kids will be full of energy and excitement this week!!!!

December 3-7 - WinterThis week the Penguins will talk about winter and what changes we see in the weather as this chilly season approaches. We will discuss how and why the weather changes from season to season and learn all about winter time activities for people and animals, including what hibernation is and where snow comes from. The Penguins will even make their own snow.

December 10-14 Getting Ready for Santa ClausThis week the Penguins will be busy making the room festive for Santa’s big visit. We will decorate our tree, hang up lights and create candy canes for our walls. We will write letters to Santa and post them for him to read when he comes to visit on the 13th.

December 17-21 - Holidays & CelebrationThis week the Penguins will learn about the major holidays that people celebrate all over the world this time of year. We will discuss how we celebrate, in our own homes and families, and compare this to how other people celebrate. The children will begin to see how people often celebrate different holidays in a similar manner.

December 3-7 Arctic AnimalsIt time to bundle up the Otters! We will learn about animals that live in the Arctic this week. We will discuss the ways that our chilly friends live, eat, and play in such frosty temperatures. We will also turn our water table into our own Arctic region. Feel free to come in and join us!

December 10-21 Holidays Around the WorldFor two weeks, the Otters will spend time learning about different winter holidays and celebrations, such as Hanakkuh, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. We are all familiar with how our own families celebrate the holidays, but what do other people do? This week we will learn and share how each of our different families enjoys their own holiday season. We will also read some of our favorite holiday stories, listen to holiday music, and spread our own Otter brand of holiday cheer! We would love for families to get involved, so please come in and share some of your favorite holiday traditions with us!!

Monroe County United Ministries827 West 14th CourtBloomington, Indiana 47404Phone (812) 339-3429Fax (812) 339-2912mcum@mcum.orgwww.mcum.org

Inside this issue:

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage Paid

Bloomington, IN 47404

Permit #186

The Impact of Giving

Page 1

Current Needs

Page 2

Staff Spotlight

Page 5

Never Grow Up!

Page 3

Hope from Help

Page 4

Opportunity House Update

Childcare Calendar

Pages 6-7

Please recycle this newsletter or share it with a friend.

Opportunity House, located at 907 W. 11th Street, is a volunteer-run resale shop that raises funds to support MCUM’s programs by finding new homes for used items. Store hours are 9:00-2:00, Monday-Saturday, with donations accepted 8:30-3:00. Call 336-2443 for more information.

Donations of gently used items are always welcome, including: books, clothing, household items, collectibles, toys, pictures, antiques and linen. Opp House cannot accept stained clothing, large appliance, large furniture, or non-functioning items.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter or you want to switch to e-mail delivery, please contact our office at 812-339-3429 x15 or development@mcum.org.

Staff:Executive Director: Meri ReinholdDevelopment Coordinator: Rebecca StanzeDevelopment Associate: Alison PittEmergency Services Coordinator: Cliff EdensEmergency Services Caseworker: Justin Smith Office Manager: Shannon HamptonChildcare Director: Traci MehayEducation Coordinator: Tina Pender

Hours of Operation:Office and Monday - Friday Emergency 8:00am - noon Services: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Childcare: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Opp House always needs donations of children’s clothing, sheets, blankets, and practical household items.