Around Town February 2012
Robbie Windham (center) of Sawdust Road Baptist Church with (l-r) Kathy Latz and Lacy Embley of MCWC during a “Handbags of Hope” banquet.
WOMEN’S CENTER RECEIVES DONATION FROM SAWDUST ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH. For the second year in a row, Sawdust Road Baptist Church collected new and used purses and filled them with toiletry items and makeup for each woman staying at the Montgomery County Women’s Center shelter at Christmas.
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Volunteers work as Santa’s helpers on the day of the toy distribution.
NAM BRIGHTENS THE HOLIDAYS FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED. Northwest Assistance Ministries held its 2011 Christmas distribution in December. Staff and volunteers distributed holiday meals and groceries to more than 3,200 people and gave toys to more than 2,000 children under the age of 12. The toys were donated by area congregations, businesses, service groups and individuals. Volunteer “holiday coordinators” made sure the donation collection process, and distribution ran smoothly.
“It is so rewarding to see the joy in a child’s eyes when they receive a bag full of Christmas gifts,” said Carole Little, NAM president and CEO. “The parents were grateful and relieved that they could provide a holiday meal and gifts for their little ones.”
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Kerri Chaney and Kenny Speight with donations for Interfaith’s Blanket Drive.
INTERFAITH BLANKET DRIVE HELPS AREA SENIORS IN NEED. Kerri Chaney, publisher of Kidnnected Magazine, dropped off a carload of new blankets and slippers at the Kenny Speight Agency, a local donation drop off location. Carolyn Gerken of A-Plus Services organized the drive to benefit Interfaith of The Woodlands. The goal was to collect 400 blankets for area seniors during the holiday season and winter months. Gerken also requested donations of twin-size blankets, robes and slippers for seniors.
“Interfaith is thrilled with the involvement, dedication and commitment of our community,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands & Interfaith Community Clinic. “A special thanks to Carolyn for encouraging others to give a blanket for one of our seniors. These wonderful initiatives are what truly build a more loving and caring community.”
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The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s CEO Jerry McDonald (center left) and Christine Scully, director of development (left of McDonald), and Sarah Raleigh, executive director Montgomery County Women’s Center (center right), along with MCWC Share-A-Family coordinators and board members.
PAVILION HELPS MAKE WOMEN’S CENTER’S “SHARE-A-FAMILY/SHELTER SANTA” PROGRAM A SUCCESS. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion provided the space needed for The Montgomery County Women’s Center to collect donations for its “Share-A-Family/Shelter Santa” program, which, this year, raised an amazing level of gifts and supplies for women and children residents of its emergency shelter.
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Kerri Chaney (right) and Andrea Slayden, producer for ABC, at the recent taping of a segment for DEALS.
KERRI CHANEY FEATURED ON ABC TV SEGMENT. Kerri Chaney, publisher of Kidnnected Magazine,taped a segment for the nationally syndicated show DEALS. The segment, Trash to Toys, offers parents ideas on how to turn everyday objects into crafts and toys for children. Chaney showed how to create toys using common household items to spur a child’s imagination.
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Deborah Kaschik (left) and Dan Altom (right), owners of TWYLA, along with TWYLA little helpers, teamed up with Kathy Rifaat of Interfaith to make the holidays brighter for local families.
THE WOODLANDS YOUNG LEARNER’S DONATES TO INTERFAITH’S TOY DRIVE. For the fifth consecutive year, The Woodlands Young Learner’s Academy partnered with Interfaith of The Woodlands’ Holiday Toy Drive to donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts for disadvantaged children of all ages.
Parents and friends of TWYLA purchased toys and gift cards to help support families in need, and to ensure that these children received gifts over the holidays.
“Thank you to everyone who donated and dropped off toys at TWYLA for the annual Interfaith Holiday Toy Drive. We stuffed the car and trunk with toys,” said Deborah Kaschik, president/executive director of The Woodlands Young Learner’s Academy. “This was our best participation and biggest year ever. It means a lot for us to give back in this way, and we love that everyone gets involved for such a great cause.”
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(L-R) Radiation oncologist Elizabeth Sands, M.D.; Cancer Center manager Paul Polansky; Lynn and Larry Whitehair; and former breast cancer patient and Woodlands resident Jean Luke.
CANCER CENTER HOSTS HOLIDAY GATHERING FOR CANCER SURVIVORS. The Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital hosted its third annual Holiday Gathering and Open House for cancer survivors. Guests and their families were able to reconnect and kick off the holiday season with their health care team, including the center’s affiliated radiation oncologists and support staff.
Lynn Whitehair, Cancer Service Line administrator, dressed as Mrs. Claus and her husband, Larry, played the role of Santa Claus. Commemorative ornaments were also distributed to celebrate being a cancer survivor.
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HODGES COLLISION CENTER HELPS MCYS. Counselors at Montgomery County Youth Services were panicked when several sponsors were unable to fulfill promises to provide Christmas gifts for 15 children. However, Steve Guinn, owner of Hodges Collision Center, stepped in and donated $1,500 to purchase Christmas gifts for the youth served by MCYS.
“This is a huge blessing for Montgomery County Youth Services,” said John Bracken, executive director of MCYS. “Hodges Collision Center saw a need this holiday season, stepped up to meet it, and we are incredibly grateful.”
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CenterPoint employees present Northwest Assistance Ministries with a check for $3,000.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY EMPLOYEES RAISE FUNDS FOR NAM, COMPANY MATCHES. For the second year in a row, CenterPoint Energy employees at the company’s Greenspoint Service Center raised $1,500 for Northwest Assistance Ministries. The funds were then matched by the company, resulting in a $3,000 gift to NAM.
CenterPoint Energy employees were determined to meet or beat the amount they raised last year for NAM. Employee Leland “Frenchie” Hensley allowed fellow co-workers to cut locks of his long hair for a donation to NAM. Hensley’s head is now completely shaved. Employee J.R. Rodriguez also organized a volunteer project for NAM. Employees worked at NAM’s Treasures of the Heart store one Saturday, unloading and setting up Christmas trees that were for sale.
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(L-R) Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands; Dr. David Gottlieb, Woodforest Charitable Foundation representative; Kim Marling, vice president of WCF; and Sarahbeth Melton, foundation assistant at WCF.
WOODFOREST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION DONATES TO INTERFAITH. Just in time for the holiday rush of individuals in need of food for the holidays, Woodforest Charitable Foundation made a contribution of $8,000 to help fund the senior supplemental food program and $5,000 for the Interfaith Food Pantry. From Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 of 2011, Interfaith assisted approximately 13,300 individuals with food.
“The Woodforest Charitable Foundation has generously donated to Interfaith of The Woodlands’ for many years,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “Both programs will greatly benefit from their financial donation, and we are extremely grateful.”
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(L-R, back row) Dale Gray, MCUW’s director of fund development, and SWBC Mortgage employees Amber Pillsbury, David Richards, Jeff Bither, Bob Anderson, Chad Gregory, David Baker, Chris Planto; (front row) Tami Buron, Michele Marshall, Tim Underwood, Robert Russell, Jennifer Kutac, Julie Peterson and Allison Curry.
SWBC MORTGAGE PARTNERS WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY UNITED WAY. For the first time, SWBC Mortgage of The Woodlands has participated in a corporate and employee giving campaign for Montgomery County United Way. Out of the funds raised, seven employees qualified at the “Lone Star Leader” giving level of $1,000 or more. SWBC Mortgage’s first Montgomery County United Way fundraising efforts reached nearly $16,000.
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The South Montgomery County YMCA recognized Bruce Bramlett with the Volunteer of the Year award for his generosity of spirit, hard work, and compassion for others.
BRUCE BRAMLETT NAMED YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR. Bruce Bramlett of The Woodlands has been named the 2011 South Montgomery County YMCA Volunteer of the Year. Bramlett was presented with his award at the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Annual Celebration held at the Westin Memorial City. He joined 36 others, each representing an individual YMCA center. The volunteers received a solid bronze sculpture custom-made by Katy artist David Mattiza.
“Bruce is always eager to step up and lend a helping hand, reaching out to the community and sharing the YMCA story”, said Mark Cochran, South County YMCA Center executive director. “His heart has been touched by the many stories that are shared by the people the YMCA serves. As a result, he is extremely passionate about sharing the Y story to family, friends, clients and total strangers. He is one of the very best ‘story tellers’ and friend raisers for the YMCA.”
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(L-R) Sarahbeth Melton, Dr. David Gottlieb, Christina Ochoa, Charles Marling, Deborah Petty, Judy Deyo, Jeremy Horton, Maria Espitia, Sondra Himmer, Marlene Kovacs, Tamera Vanderweyst, Brian Kolenda and Kim Marling.
TOMAGWA RECEIVES DONATION FROM WOODFOREST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries was presented with a $5,000 donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation.
TOMAGWA, which represents “Tomball, Magnolia, & Waller,” provides assistance to low-income, uninsured families who need health care and reside in southwest Montgomery, southeast Waller and northwest Harris vounties. It is a nominal-fee, comprehensive family practice clinic that provides medical services regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, religion affiliation, or ability to pay.
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The New Danville Bell Ringers
NEW DANVILLE BELL RINGERS PERFORM AT DRT PARTY. Members of the New Danville Bell Ringers, under the direction of Diana Egley, performed for the Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis DRT chapter during the Christmas party. The highlight of their performance was the dedication of Silent Night to former New Danville resident and member of the bell choir Dennis Hanks, who passed away this year. The special guest speaker at the meeting was Jane Buck, director of Family Tree DNA, who gave a presentation on DNA research.
The New Danville community is a self-sustaining, masterplanned, integrated community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually with their non-disabled peers.
