The coronavirus has made life so difficult for many of our neighbors, whether it’s struggling financially due to unemployment or medical bills, trying to overcome lasting health problems or, most tragically, grieving lost loved ones.
Here at Maertin Heating & Cooling, we know that there are many people in our community and around the nation who need our help. So in honor of Christmas and the holidays this month, we’ve put together a list of very local organizations that can help you if you’re in need, or would love your help if you are able to contribute or volunteer.
Starting very close to home is www.MokenaMiracles.com. This not-for-profit is just three years old, but has helped families in Mokena stay in their homes by making rent payments, has repaired vehicles and homes, has helped with grocery and utility bills and of course, has helped purchase Christmas presents! Mokena Miracles welcomes your time and your financial contributions.
Do you love to cook? When your favorite way to help is by providing a family with a hot meal, visit www.LasagnaLove.org! Sign up to be matched with a family (or two – or more) and prepare your favorite recipe just one time – or even once a week for as long as you’d like. You’ll make a 9 x 13 lasagna and deliver it to a family nearby on your own schedule. You can even add baked goods and a salad if you’d like!
When rehabilitation services for people living with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and other neurologic conditions are no longer covered, www.NextStepsChicago.org is there. NextSteps offers patients an exercise and rehabilitation facility that will help them gain a more functional, independent and healthy lifestyle. They also support scientific research treating spinal cord injury.
What’s sweeter than a puppy? A puppy who helps people live more functional, happier lives! www.HeartlandServiceDogs.org trains service dogs to assist veterans and people with PTSD, persons with mobility or vision impairment and people with diabetes. The service dogs are professionally trained for months before they can be paired with a companion. You can donate or volunteer to help socialize or care for the pups!
You can make a difference with a sleeve of first class stamps – or an entire package of supplies – for a soldier. www.OperationCarePackages.org‘s goal is to make sure every soldier has something at mail call. The Manhattan, Illinois organization would love your help in shopping for supplies, writing letters, sewing goodie bags, assembling packages or making a financial contribution.
Whether you are able to volunteer or donate, or you need a helping hand this season, please reach out to these outstanding local organizations. If you’re giving, your dollars will make a tremendous impact – and if you need help, your neighbors are standing by, ready and eager to offer you a hand.
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