SEPTEMBER'S PROJECT- BOOKMARK MAKING WORKSHOP

 

This is the 3rd year that VLC has hosted a Bookmark Making Workshop for children visiting the Waukesha Library.  It is a thank you to the Library for running a  Community Book Drive for the VLC Children's Giving Library,  and a way for VLC to bring awareness to the community about our

Free Library at the Hope Center.  Children and their parents visiting the library on Saturday Oct. 28th stepped into the workshop in the rotunda to make a bookmark for them-selves and one to be shared at the VLC Children's Free Library at the Hope Center.  They worked with crayons,
markers, stickers, stencils, rubber stamps, foam cut outs, watercolors, yarn and ribbon.   Their creativity amazed  us all!  Thanks to the very special people who  stepped forward to share their time on Saturday.

AUGUST'S PROJECT - FOOD DRIVES FOR THE HARTLAND AND PEWAUKEE FOOD PANTRIES

 

We were worried with the cool summer that vacations would be planned for August...

worried that we would not be able to staff stores for the food pantries.  For  the first time

ever... we were right to worry!   The bad news...we were only able to  staff 1 volunteer on

each of the 3 shifts at the Hartland Piggly Wiggly, and  had only 1 shift at the Pewaukee Pick   

N Save.  The good news is that VLC volunteers knew the pantries were counting on them,    

and they worked hard on their own.  The pantries were grateful for their help and for the  

food and  $200.00 in cash donations was collected for them.  A very special thanks to the

amazing volunteers who shared 2 hours of time on Saturday August 27th.

 

 

 

 

JULYS PROJECT; DRIVE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED.

 

VLC has amazing volunteers!  Each month different people step forward to share a few hours of

time.  Individuals, couples, families, groups, young and old...taking a turn to make a  difference in

the lives of others.   Individually volunteers shared 2 hours of time....but together it totaled over

63 volunteer hours on Saturday July 27th...3 shifts of volunteers at 3 different locations!  We set  

up at the Pewaukee and Delafield Wal-Marts and the Hartland Walgreens.   Thanks  to the stores,

to their generous customers and  to our volunteers we collected approximately  $5,000.00  in

school  supplies along with $550.00 in cash donations!  Strangers helping strangers... 

 

  

 

Junes Project / The Volunteers of Lake Country's Garden Day

 

This is the 5th year VLC volunteers have worked to till, plant, weed, water, harvest and deliver produce from their garden to the Food Pantries and Meal Sites in our community.   The rain overnight and in the early morning hours scared away many of the volunteers away on the VLC Garden Day....but a few still came to play in the mud!   A lot of work was accomplished....thanks to all of you for your help!     

 

 

Junes Family / Grandmother takes guardianship of 3 Grandchildren.

Last month we shared information about an amazing grandmother who was taking guardianship of her 3 grandchildren.  She needed summer clothing, shoes, a 16" bike and a big wheel for Sarah (4) and Ryan (3)...and it was Christmas on our porch once again!  You shared everything that was needed.   New and gently used clothing, shoes books and bikes!  Michael, her 9 year old grandson is autistic and non verbal and needed a $100.00 GC for an APP that will allow him to communicate his needs with her....many generously offered this...the first one offered was accepted and  shared  with her. Thank you all for your generosity.   The caseworker was new to VLC and was truly overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.  She shared that the grandmother was a very special lady, and very grateful as well.

June's Family/ Foster Mom with 2 teen boys.

The 2nd Family we received from Human Services of Waukesha County was a Foster mom who has taken in 2 teen boys.  She doesn't own or drive a car, and the boys had a wish for bikes to allow them to get around!   A gentleman contacted us when he saw the article in the paper and shared both a Trek Racing Bike, and a Trek Mountain Bike with them.  The caseworker emailed,  "I called the boys to let them know about the bikes donated and they were so  happy!  One of them will start  a new job on Monday, is currently attending summer school and football camp in the mornings, the other one is doing football camp and looking for employment.  This gift could not have happened on a better time

 

Drive for Family Promise

 Saturday May 18th VLC volunteers staffed the Pewaukee and Delafield Wal-Marts sharing information and needs for Family Promise. This organization  will be addressing  the growing needs (shelter & food) of Western  Waukesha Counties homeless children and their families.   Our thanks to those who shared their time, and to the generous community who responded to the wish lists by donating toiletries, cleaning products, bins for storage,towels, sheets, comforters, car seats, a pack n play and $250.00 in cash! 

 

 

Aprils Project- Building 16 Picnic Tables!

25 middle school kids and 8 adults turning an enormous trailer full of wood into 16 picnic  tables in 3

hours time!   240 planks of wood unloaded, holes drilled for 256 bolts and 576 wood screws, and screwing

15 pieces of wood together for each table.. it was intense...it was AMAZING!!!  The Hartland Kiwanis is

donating 2 new pavilions and the 16 picnic tables which will offer shelter near the new Splash Pad that will be

installed at Nixon Park this summer donated by the Hartland  Rotary.  A special thanks to the students from

North Shore Middle School and VLC volunteers  for their help with the build on Saturday April 27th...at the FLASH BUILT!!!

 

 

 



2nd Grade Troop Organizes a Book Drive!

 

Troop 8003 from University Lake School was on VLC's website and loved the idea of helping others by having a Book Drive.   They drew posters, made morning annoucements, sent letters home to the parents and collected over 200 beautiful infant/toddler board books in 2 weeks time!   Books in the home make a huge difference in the success of children.  VLC's Giving Library has given over 1,000 books to children in need EVERY MONTH for the last 2 years!



Special Playthings Shared Forward

 

A mom and her daughter had some special playthings they wanted to share forward and they contacted VLC.  The fridge, stove, dishes, food and doll house ere too big for a bypical apartment, but we reached out to our friends at the Women's Center, where moms and their children seek refuge from an abusive situation, and work to become independant.  They were delighted and grateful for the special playthings and they went into one of their playroom...and could

any children be more deserving of such beautiful things!

SOS from a Caseworker

A caseworker contacted VLC this month, with a request for help. A single mom who recently received her  foster care license,  just took in 2 teens...obviously a women with a very kind heart!  Alone, a washer and dryer was not a necessity, but with 2 teens, laundry was getting very expensive, and she also felt a computer/printer would be very helpful to them for their school work as well. We posted this need in the VLC March Newsletter, and magic happened once again! Thanks to a couple who just moved to LC who had a 4 year old set to share, and  another amazing donor who dropped off a laptop, a computer, monitor cables, and keyboard for the teens!  The caseworker borrowed a truck, picked up and delivered the donations to the family....such dedication on his part.

MARCH'S PROJECT - DRIVE FOR SAFE BABIES HEALTHY FAMILIES

A note from Safe Babies, Healthy Families: "THANK YOU for hosting another successful baby shower for SBHF!  We appreciate and are extremely blessed to have your continued support each year. We are so

thrilled with the monetary donations of $462.00, the $125.00 in Gift Cards, the piles diapers, wipes formula and more!  Please thank all of your volunteers for their hard work and dedication"

 

So...as always, thanks to the 30 volunteers, and the 60 hours of time shared....on a beautiful 'Spring Saturday' ...NOT!!   Thanks as well to the 3 stores who hosted our drives, the Hartland Walgreens, Pewaukee Wal-Mart, and the Pabst Farms Pick N Save and to their generous customers for making this drive so successful!

 A special thanks to our 4 area High Schools who participated in this collection!  The Arrowhead Key Club, Pewaukee National Honor Society and the Oconomowoc Students for Service each took a shift, and the

Kettle Moraine Key Club did a Diaper Drive at their High School.  

One last special thanks to Lord of Life Church in Oconomowoc. A VLC volunteer & church member suggested  they have a Baby Shower in support of the VLC March Drive and they loved the idea!  They came bearing gifts and shared lunch, shower games and great company!   Enjoy the great photos of our volunteers here and lots more here!