An Angel's Touch
2012
Delivery begins on December , 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Word from our Founders:
Each year we strive to do our very best to help others through emergencies because we know what it's like to do without. Last Christmas we helped 58 families, and more during the year. We've also passed along Christmas joy to the Blue Island Nursing Home, Courage, Guildhaus, the Southwest YMCA, to the CEDA School in Blue Island, and other organizations. And each year, after Christmas, we pass our remaining canned food donations to the St. Benedict's Parish Food Pantry and the Salvation Army. This year we hope to do as much as last, if not more.An Angel's Touch is basically a vehicle. We collect donations of canned food, Christmas gifts, toys, clothing, outwear, household goods, etc., and we distribute them where needed. We do this because our community partners, fraternal groups, companies, families and individuals donate their time, talent and treasures.
Can you help us? Can you donate? Can you adopt a family? Inside you'll find a list of items we need as well as contact information and the story of how An Angel's Touch came to be.
Thank you in advance,Patrick and Georgene Mitchell
Mission Statement
Contact us at:
Accurate Perforating
3636 S. Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60632,
Attn: Georgene,
An Angel's Touch
773/25403232, X 312
Visit us at http; anangelstouchblueisland.blogspot.com/ or email us at Jmorancoyle@aol.com
Please drop off donations at Blue Island City Hall, 13027 S.Greenwood
An Angel's Touch is a grassroots organization that began because several of our members have suffered financially devastating situations such as illness or accidents. State and federal governments are not equipped to help individuals or families when speed becomes paramount. Private organisations do help, but at Christmas time, charity roles fill up quickly.
In 1990, Patrick and Georgene Mitchell faced just such a situation, and becuase they survived, they reached out in 1991 to help another family in need. The following year, they reached out again. When family and friends heard what the Mitchells' were doing, they wanted to help. In 1992, the small group helped two families. The following year they helped more. The group grew. Families who had been helped wanted to help also, just because when they needed help most, someone helped them. These friends gathered good, clean, used clothing during the year. They donated canned food, or money towards the purchase of food and necessities, and they bought Christmas presents. Pat Mitchell's cousins, Peggy Flood and Mary O'Brien, collected items they could use as stocking suffers. For each child on our Christmas list, Peggy and Mary provide a hand decorated stocking filled with small gifts.
In 1996 Boy Scout Troop 785 of St.Walters began a food drive in Blue Island. In 1997 individuals from Blue Island City government became involved, and students from St. Rita High School helped to pack and deliver our offerings. From there, the operation blossomed.
An Angel's Touch incorporated in 1998. This allows us to pursue corporate help and it also allows us to reach out to families and individuals who need help between Christmases.
We do not have paid employees, nor do we have An Angel's Touch office. Almost all of our donations are given over to helping people who need it. This policy has limited our access to funding, but it hasn't limited our efforts.
In 1995, the friends helped seven families at Christmas. In 1996, because of the Boy Scouts from St.Walters, we helped 17 families. In the ensuing years, the young men of St. Rita have allowed us to physically take on more work. In 2003, we helped over 50 families with food, clothing and Christmas presents. We helped another 70 with food baskets. During that time we have worked with other organizations, such as the Blue Island Nursing Home, Guildhaus of Blue Island, The Southwest Y.M.C.A., Metropolitan Family Services, the St.Benedict's Food Pantry, Reach Out of Blue Island, Port Ministries, CEDA, and the Salvation Army to reach common goals. We expect to do more in the future.
Formerly needy join group to help others
by Brent Watters
as published in the Daily Southtown, Christmas 1998
Georgene Mitchell recently received a heart-wrenching call from a friend who told
her of a woman she knew whose husband is dying and whose family is in need of help.
Besides not being able to afford Christmas gifts for her children, the woman was
even more concerned about not being able to afford dress clothes for her children to
wear to their father's imminent funeral, the friend told Mitchell.
Mitchell said she frequently receives such distressing calls, and said she never
ceases to get emotional when she hears about a family in need.
"When I heard about the woman's situation and that her husband might die around
Christmas," Mitchell said, pausing, "well, it's one of those things that you hear and
you can't help but to weep."
Mitchell is founder of An Angel's Touch, a Blue Island-based group that provides
clothing, food, and help to families in need throughout the year, especially during
the holiday season. What makes this situation unique is that these volunteers who
are part of An Angel's Touch at one point or another, fell into financial despair
themselves.
Blue Island resident Judy Coyle and her family were among the first families
helped by the group after it formed in 1991.
"There are not many organizations like this one that have members who truly
understand the hardships a family can face. They really helped us during a
rough time," Coyle said.
Coyle's husband had been laid off from his job. Shortly after getting another
job, he because seriously ill and had to be hospitalized.
"He had to have surgery, and the hospital bills nearly wiped us out. We were
already living paycheck to paycheck like many other working-class families," Coyle said.
"It was the end of October, and we tried to go to the churches to get food on the table,
but the donation lists were already full," Coyle said.
Through a mutual friend, Mitchell heard about the Coyles' hardships. That's when
members of an Angel's Touch stepped in, Coyle said.
"One day our doorbell rang. I opened the door and all these people carrying boxes
rushed in the house and rushed right back out," Coyle said.
The best thing about the group, Mitchell said, is that its volunteers rush into
a house with donations and leave quickly before the family has time to say no.
"There are a lot of people who end up in tight situations and are too proud to ask for
help. But we get by the pride issue by rushing in and getting out," Mitchell said.
The members of the group had delivered boxes of clothes, toys and food to the Coyles.
Since pulling themselves out of their financial rut, Coyle and her husband have
been dedicated members of An Angel's Touch.
Even Coyle's children are playing a big role in helping the group.
"MY son got his Boy Scout group.. and my daughter got her Brownie troup....involved.
They have played a key role in picking up our donated items," Coyle said.
Mitchell's story is not much different from Coyle's.
In 1990, her husband had lost his job and one of her two boys had fallen ill.
Like Coyle, it was also during the month of October that the Mitchells fell into
dire financial straits and were unable to find assistance from anyone except
for close family and friends.
The Mitchells had vowed that if they made it through that Christmas they would
help other families who had fallen into the same situation, Mitchell said.
Using donations from relatives and friends, Mitchell and her family were able to
survive until her husband got more work.
Once back on their feet, Mitchell began soliciting donations from friends and relatives
to form An Angel's Touch. Since 1991, the group has grown from a handful of
members to a core group of more than 35 volunteers. Last year, the group provided
assistance to more than 35 families.
The group currently has 13 families on its delivery list. That number is expected
to triple within the next few weeks. Mitchell said.
Though most of the families the group helps live in Blue Island, An Angel's
Touch does not hesitate to help any family in the Southland that is in need of assistance.
"We'll be helping a family in Joliet this year. It's the farthest we've gone but we're
not going to turn our backs to anyone," Coyle said.
The families are referred to the group mainly though word of mouth.
The group supplies families with items that have been donated by local residents and
businesses. Financial contributions made to the group are used to buy items for families
in need.
"Truly the best part of Christmas is the giving, and a lot of people have found that
to be true by helping out," Mitchell said.
To make donations to An Angel's Touch, volunteer with the group or refer a family
for assistance, Call Mitchell at (773) 254-3232. (ext. 312)
Donations also can be mailed to Mitchell at 3636 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60632
How can you help us help others? Here's a list of ideas.
Food drives: We need canned and boxed goods. We also need frozen meat including turkeys, hams, chicken and hamburger.
A back to basics food drive: We need, but rarely receive, basic items like salt, pepper, vinegar, oil, mustard, ketchup, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and jelly.
Cereal drive: Annie West of the Calumet Township Senior Center collects boxes of cereal.
Baby drive: We need diapers, baby food, wipes, etc.
Christmas stockings: We provide hand decorated Christmas stockings for every child on our list, including teenagers. We need stocking stuffers. We also help the CEDA school in Blue Island. We need stocking stuffers, like large crayons, coloring books, bubbles, candy, stuffed animals, and small, but safe toys for preschoolers.
We need school supplies. We try to provide each child on our Christmas list with a backpack full of supplies.
Toy drive: We need toys for children of all ages.
Hats, scarves and mittens: We try to provide each member of our families with hats, mittens and scarves, and if necessary coats. We want to provide hats, mittens and scarves for the children at the CEDA school. These are all preschoolers.
Non-food drive: This includes household cleaners like laundry or dish detergent, bleach, etc. And we need toilet paper, tissue, paper towels, health and beauty items, etc.
Penny jars: We have jars with our name on them. Many businesses place them on counters where customers can throw their change.
Gift certificates drives: We are looking for gift cards from stores like Jewel, Food 4 Less, and Dominics. We would also gratefully accept cards from Walgreens, CVS, Cosco, Speedway, Marathon, Thorton's and Citgo.
Adoption: Families or groups can have a chance to play Santa by adopting individual families. We ask for Christmas dinner and gifts for each member of our families.
We invited our donor to use their imagination. In other years, we've been the recipients of sock drives, shoebox drives, etc.
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story
by Carol R.
This is a story for anyone who has helped An Angel's Touch with a donation of gifts, food or money this Christmas. Although they have helped many people in small and large ways, I have heard this story from its sad beginning to its hopeful end.
There is a man, a single parent. He has a son, who is retarded/developmentally disabled. Years ago, he fought a bitter custody battle to win the right to raise his son, despite knowing of his disabilities. He loved his son. For a variety of reasons that aren't important here, he chose to make his living by selling collectibles and general stuff at flea markets and to dealers. As you can imagine, he survives on a minimum income, but has cared for his son well and seen to his further education in special high school classes. When he graduates, he will go on to school at Moraine Valley, a special program which will train him in custodial work, allowing him to make a living in years to come.
One Sunday morning, the man went out to start his van, which was loaded with his 'inventory'. The fuel pump exploded and the van plus his inventory were destroyed. At his wits end, with no money, no transportation and no hope, he went to his landlord and explained he would have to move and put his son in a group home, where the man knew he would languish without any further education. This, however, would allow this man to go back to the work he did as a young man, working on barges and ships with endless travel destinations in order to earn the money he so desperately needed. The man moved ahead with his plan, made the arrangements.... and could not go through with placing his son. He again talked with his landlord and said, "I don't know how, but I have to make it."
Enter An Angel's Touch.... The man has been supplied with basic food and necessities. They have also found a private owner to donate a used van to him. Another group of people have donated the cost of license plates, stickers and a tune-up for the vehicle. He was also being provided with a small amount of money to help purchase more stock. Others are searching their basements and attics to give him a little bit of inventory to begin again.
The man and his son, because of the goodness of people and a volunteer organization called An Angel's Touch, have been given the greatest gift of all this Christmas.... HOPE for the future.
Thank you to everyone who cared enough to share a small amount of what they had with Angel's Touch. This is only one story.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank You Letters -Recorded as written
January 11, 2005
Jane Schmit, CSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
773/233-2487
Dear Georgene:
On behalf of the families I work with whom were the recipients of Angel's Touch's generous Christmas donations, I would like to say THANK YOU!
Each donor can be assured that they played a major role in putting smiles on the faces of the children and their parents. For the families I work with, the financial stress inherent in caring for their children often limits their ability to provide Christmas gifts for them in a manner that they would be proud of. Their happiness begins with the relief on their faces when I mention the help they will receive from Angel's Touch.
Although I will not be a witness to the opening of the gilts, I was privileged to see their joyful response when I was able to deliver the gifts. One of my mothers began to cry and say, "Thank you, Santa Claus must be real!" Later she told me that her three year old son proclaimed the same realization on Christmas Day. She further said, "This was the best Christmas her family has ever experienced!"
Another mother called me after you delivered their presents and was in tears. She said, "Wow, Jane, you told us that the kids were going to receive some presents, but I never guessed it would be like this! This is so wonderful. Please thank them for me and tell them that God will bless them!"
As a social worker, I remain in awe of your volunteer spirit. I understand the long hours behind each and every special delivery. Your work uplifts the spirits of each and every family member long after the holiday season ends!
Please thank your donors on my behalf! The hope they provide for my families is priceless! until next year...
Happy New Year!
Jane Schmit, LCSW
Georgene and All other members of An angel's Touch,
Thank you so much, when I spoke w/Georgene about helping out w/Christmas, I did not think it would be like that. My children wouldn't of had much to open if it wasn't for you. People like you are few and far between. I said a prayer after you left that Sunday, thanking God for Angel's Touch and told him how lucky I am. My son asked me after you lift, 'Mom, why are you crying.' I told him that they were tears of joy and thankfulness. The camera you sent I will take pictures of the kids opening gifts and send a few to you. Thank you.
Dear Friends,
Your kindness and warm smiles ment more to us than you will ever know. It really touches our hearts to feel the spirit of Christmas is alive in you. You have made this a very special Christmas, especially for the babies E.... and J... J..'s first and E...'s second. Because of you E... and J.... have warm clothes for the winter and will even be able to go play in the snow. If fact all of us now have those basic needs that so many take for granted. Just think of your bright faces bring smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts. We thank you so much and wish to send our gradatude to you all. This will always be a happy memorie and you will always have a place in our hearts.
Thank you
Love
P.S.: Merry Chrismass and Happy New Year, and may it last the whole year.
Dearest Georgene & friends of Angel's Touch,
Thank you for all you've done to help make Christmas brighter for our family this year. You have realy been angels for us.
Love
Georgene
A bigs Thank you for your thoughtfulness to our family, during this Holiday Season. You thoughtfulness has really touch us deeply.
Thanks,
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
An Angel's Touch
I would like to take this time to thank everyone at An Angel's Touch for all the gifts that were given to our family for Christmas. My kids thank you as well. There eyes lit up like I've never seen before and I know when they open them they will light up even more.
I would also like to wish everyone a wonder full Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you again for making this year even better for my kids.
Sincerely
Dear Georgene and Staff
I thank you all so very much for making our Christmas beautiful. Me and Isaiah thank you for the gifts, food and clothes that was given to us. Its people like you all that make a difference in people lives like me. I pray that God bless each and every one of you and your families. Here's a picture. We give to you a thanks for us to you.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
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