MANY THANKS TO...
our volunteers, supporters, donors, sponsors, and walkers and runners who made the SpringFest event so successful - even in the rain!!! Special thanks to our sponsors: Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Bob Tomes Ford, Unlimited Success Martial Arts, Inc., Bongo Racing Stables, Site Concrete, Inc., Rodenbaugh's Flooring America & Appliances, American National Bank, Community Credit Union, The Performance Course, City of Allen, AISD, The Dallas Morning News, The Allen American, K-LUV, Stacy Furniture, HyperMotion, Jazzercise, Threshold Group. Special kudos to Allen Police Officers Johnny Thomason and Conrad Averna; City of Allen Parks Dept., Shannon Craft; Streets Dept. Robbin Webber; Allen ISD, Larry Donaldson and Duke Sparks; Melanie Clifton, Community Credit Union; Paul Landry representing Special Olympics; Crispin Hocate, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen; and Bob Tomes of Bob Tomes Ford.
ALLEN USA CELEBRATION IS UPON US - JUNE 26, 2004
120 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!!!
ACO Volunteers have been invited to again staff the KIDS ZONE, which includes games, face painting and various inflatables. Proceeds of more than $13,000 from last year's event went to benefit ACO Programs to help families in crises. This year we hope to raise even more!!! The KIDS ZONE will operate from 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. The entire event starts at 4:00 P.M. Fireworks begin at 9:30 P.M. There will be three shifts: Shift 1 is from 3:15-6:15. Shift 2 is from 5:30 - 8:00. Shift 3 is from 7:30 - 9:30. 30-40 Volunteers are needed per shift. Duties will consist of ticket takers, line patrol, and entrance and exit monitors of the inflatables. VOLUNTEERS MUST BE REGISTERED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JUNE 21ST AT 5:00 P.M. in order to finalize plans. If you, your business, civic organization, club, church, or neighborhood can help, please call Marjorie Vaneskahian NOW at 972-727-9131.
SUMMER SEASON STRETCHES
With the end of the school year approaching, ACO families face summer season stretches. Children are home eating more during the day, temperatures rise and water is in high demand, and families have an increased need for additional necessities. Thanks to the generous support of schools and groups throughout the community, our supplies in the ACO "Care & Share Closet" stay full during the school year, but run very low during the summer season stretch. Please remember us when you are shopping and pick up a few extra items for the closet. We need snack food and easy-fix foods for kids at home during the day, paper products, large-sized diapers, laundry & dish detergent, and toiletries.
AS A REMINDER...
ACO has acquired a truck for pick up of gently used furniture only. We gratefully accept other treasures - shoes and clothing in any condition (no hangers, please), housewares, books, small appliances in working order, and old cell phones. What the resale store cannot take is computer equipment, mattresses, box springs, sleeper sofas, recliners and furniture with stains, tears, worn spots or broken. Donations are accepted at the west door Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. and on Saturday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. ACO will gladly accept garage sale leftovers in accordance to the above drop-off policy but can no longer make garage sale pickups.
ACO CONTINUES TO SEE RECORD NUMBER OF CLIENTS
During the 1st quarter 2004 compared to the same time last year, ACO has seen an increase of 54% in the need for assistance with rent. Also during the same time period, an increase of 39% in information and referral calls have been handled. ACO continues to see many new clients while consistently serving 6-8% of the population of Allen, Lucas, and Fairview. The need exists - it is our family members, friends, and neighbors. Please help us raise awareness by informing and educating those in our community about ACO. Together we will embody the ACO motto, "Real people helping real people." Please call me at 972-727-9131, x227 if you are part of an organization that would like to know more about ACO. I would be happy to make a presentation to help raise awareness of the services and programs offered by ACO.
"WHO'S MY NEIGHBOR?"
Each July, ACO holds their annual fundraising campaign called "Christmas in July" and this year's theme is "Who's My Neighbor?" It is the time of year that we encourage you to help your neighbors. July is ACO's "giving season" when families, businesses, organizations, and individuals make contributions to the agency which last all year long.
In 2003:
11,344 client calls were made to ACO for information and referral assistance, an increase
of 27% from 2002 (8,885)
4,786 unduplicated clients were served, an increase of 39% from 2002 (3,828)
890 individuals received rent and utility assistance, a decrease of 16% from 2002 (1,061)
149 individuals were assisted with job bank counseling, an increase of 23%
from 2002 (121)
5,925 individuals were screened for food & clothing, an increase of 36%
from 2002 (4,362)
418 Families (1,273 family members) were provided free clothing
(284 families, 720 family members in 2002)
7,720 Meals-On-Wheels were delivered, an increase of 23% from 2002 (6,253)
and 711 volunteers gave over 19,050 hours of their time to ACO!!!!
Please share with your neighbor by supporting ACO. You can make a difference in the lives of those living around you in our community. We invite you to become an ACO Angel, Guardian, or Santa! Watch your mailbox in the weeks to come and know that your support is helping neighbors and friends, RIGHT HERE AT HOME!
Remember, supporting United Way means supporting ACO. Allen Community Outreach United Way Designation Code is 201.
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Judy Webster
Director of Development
www.acocares.org
judy@acocares.org
972-727-9131 - office
972-727-1995 - fax
