Home for the Holidays 5K

Still Someone will be having a “signing station” at the Home for the Holidays 5K in Upper Sandusky on Saturday, December 5. Stop by John Stewart UMC after the race at 9AM and sign a card for a senior!

New Brochure Available

A pdf version of our new trifold brochure is available for volunteers and supporters to print out and distribute:

side 1

side 2

Still Someone’s status as a tax exempt organization is not mentioned in the brochure, but we are a 501(c)3 public charity so donations may be tax deductible.

Taking a hint from NPR

We’re going to try something new to thank Still Someone supporters and offer gifts for set donation levels. The first gift has been posted — a one-of-a-kind knit shawl available to the first donation of $25. As more sponsorship gifts become available, they will be posted on the website, just follow the “GIFTS” tab in the navigation bar. If you have an idea for the perfect sponsorship gift or would like to donate something to be used as a gift, please email contact@stillsomeone.org.

No one at Still Someone is paid for their involvement. All money raised will directly support sending cards, blankets, afghans, and shawls to residents of nursing homes.

February Distribution

I was so proud to send off four handmade lap blankets and 70 handmade cards to the Raleigh Nursing and Rehab Center in Daniels, WV this afternoon! Among the cards were some gorgeous Valentines crafted by Melissa Riker.

I would also like to welcome Michelle Bluck as our new Distribution Coordinator. Michelle will be in charge of scheduling distributions and communicating with care facilities.

Thank you to all of the volunteers! Without you, these distributions would not be possible. I am continuously overjoyed at the number of people willing to reach out to seniors that they don’t know and will probably never get a chance to meet. Thank you.

There has been a lot of interest in Still Someone thanks to our involvement with VolunteerMatch.com. I can’t wait to see what our talented fiber artists come up with for St. Patrick’s Day!

Next month’s distribution will be mailed March 6. If you have any questions about how you can become involved, please email janet@stillsomeone.org.

Next mailing

We mailed off 7 lap afghans and shawls to the Evergreen Manor Nursing Home in Ohio yesterday! I packed the garments up before I remembered to take a picture, but I will be sure to photograph next month’s donations.

Next month’s distribution will be mailed December 5. With winter starting to hit the area, now is a great time to send warm comfort garments.

We’re official!

“Still Someone” is now officially “Still Someone, Inc.” Our non-profit corporation application has been approved by the state of Ohio!

Passing on the thanks to everyone for their help

October 3 Blanket Distribution

I’m taking a bag of blankets to the Wyandot County Nursing Home this afternoon. This month’s donations include blankets of the knit, crocheted, woven, and cloth varieties!

Blankets, shawls, and other comfort items can be sent to: Still Someone, c/o Janet Engle, PO Box 543, Upper Sandusky, OH, 43351

The Power of the Nonprofit

I attended a M.O.P.S meeting this morning and the experience made me think about the potential role of nonprofit organizations in our community. I think a good nonprofit could be more cost-effective and beneficial than the average government program.

This group offered new moms a supportive atmosphere, time away from the kids, mentors, food, and free resources. There was a “freebie” table where you could donate or take food, maternity and children’s clothing, and other supplies. Families with newborns were taken meals and offered free care for their older children. Although there is a nominal membership fee, the coordinators are quick to offer to waive that fee so that anyone can participate.

Nothing offered felt like charity, because it wasn’t. There was more of a feeling of “take these size 2 clothes because I can’t use them. If there were some size 4s on the table, I’d sure grab them.” It was the community helping itself, free to change the programs as they needed to meet the needs of the members.

I think that is the real power of the nonprofit organization. At its best, it can be a dignity-enhancer. Accepting government help can make people feel ashamed and helpless. Seeing community members share their talents and time can inspire those that benefit to explore their own abilities, to look for ways to pass help on to others. Government aid is apart from the community. It is something to exploit, to avoid, to grumble about paying for. Programs that spring from the community and are managed creatively on shoestring budgets are something to be celebrated.