HOMELESS GRADUATING SENIORS By Doris Reisinger YOU ARE AWESOME, LAKE ASHTON! By Fred Halde At the time of the writing of this article, there is one week left for the collection of Toys for Tots, and I am proud to say that up to this point, your kindness and generosity has been amazing. I have taken 5 BIG loads of toys to the central collection warehouse and I know I have two more on the way before the box is put away for another year. Lake Ashton has come through again with its outreach and compassion. Smiles will be showing up all over the area because of your generous support. So from Toys for Tots, Rotary on the Ridge and myself … I offer you a heart-felt word of thanks. I hope you had a joyous and blessed holiday. Sponsored by Rotary on the Ridge. Contact is Fred Halde (231-343-0638, haldepcusa@gmail.com). CARING TREE By Larry & Joanne Hillock The staff at the Lake Wales Care Center asked us to pass on their gratitude to the "awesome" Lake Ashton residents for all of your generous donations. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all neighbors who helped so many families in the area have a Merry Christmas. A special thank you to BOLLA, the Sew What Group and the ladies golf leagues for their over the top contributions. I'm here again this year tapping your GENEROSITY! I have a grandson graduating from college in May. And I often think of all the support he has had from family and friends in achieving this goal. Where would he be if he had NO family or friend support? In Polk County there again are well over a hundred students who want to go to college. But sadly they have no family and the state ends their support when they graduate from high school. This is how you can help. Monetary donations in any amount small or large. Gift cards in the amount of $5, $10 or $15, from restaurants or stores. Items such as sheets, personal items (tooth paste, shampoo, deodorant)for a duffel bag for the summer. We also hope to award some scholarships as we have done in the past. Last year we had enough donations for five. I am planning to have a banner again this year at the Monday morning meetings please stop by and sign. (No donation required). Donations can be left at either Activities Desk. Any questions or donations to be picked up feel free to contact 217-652-6636 or miker0343@yahoo.com. LA BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Norman Wilderson Although small in numbers, the Lake Ashton Black Heritage Club is big in community support. The club members continued to support community charitable organizations with monetary support and voluntary service. Members presented a check of $400 to the Lake Wales Care Center along with donating clothing and household goods. The Club made a $500 donation to the Polk County Public Schools in support of its Hearth Project (Homeless Education Advocates Restoring The Hope). The Club in the past years has provided both monetary and school supplies to the Chain of Lakes Elementary School, the John Snively Elementary School, and the Hearth Project. See page 35 for more information on the Club. FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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