This year marked the first year of publication for the Lawrence Community Newsletter. We as publishers pledged to highlight a different Lawrence-area non-profit each month, and also to donate dollars to help their causes. One by one, they serve our society in their own unique way, donating dollars and hours without much hoopla. They feed, help, and educate members of our community on a daily basis, often putting the needs of others before their own.
At this time of year, you likely receive requests from numerous charities, asking to donate so you can then write it off on your 2014 tax return. We ask that this year you keep those donations local, to support your own Lawrence community. No donation is too small as all works toward the good.
Take a look again at these very worthy organizations and decide for yourself which ones mean the most to your own personal life and then write a check…or call them to volunteer your time…and thank them for taking care of your neighbors!
In alphabetical order:
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
relayforlife.org/LawrenceTownshipIN (317)344-7800
This June event is part of a series of such events in communities nationwide. The 24-hour Lawrence relay event was the first in Indianapolis, more than ten years ago. It takes place at LCHS and raises more than $30,000 for cancer research.
Answers for Autism
AnswersAutism.org (800) 449-0560
Helping Indiana families touched by autism, this organization provides research and program grants, funding nearly a million dollars worth of grants and research over the past 13 years. They serve to help individuals with autism participate in and contribute to our community without fear of bias or loss of individuality.
The Bridge Fund
bridgefundindiana.org (317)626-0015
Loosely attached to the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Twp. Foundation, this group opens small accounts at LCHS, LNHS and McKenzie Center to fund the needs of worthy students who couldn’t otherwise afford to participate in various school activities. They give a boost to otherwise good and deserving teens.
Crossroads of America Boy Scout Council
crossroadsBSA.org (317)813-7125
In central Indiana the Boy Scouts served 33,697 youth last year. Their mission is to provide character development, citizenship training and growth in physical, mental and spiritual fitness to help create the next generation of leaders. They are another arm to help parents raise their children into outstanding adults.
The Cupboard of Lawrence Township
LawrenceTownshipCupboard.org (317)964-0801
Newly opened this year at 7107 Pendleton Pike, this food pantry helps families in need of food assistance, providing healthier food options for clients while relieving the strain on other food pantries in central Indiana. They need volunteers as well as dollars and food.
Kids Voice of Indiana
kidsvoiceIN.org (317)558-2870
Protecting children’s best interests through advocacy, information and education, serving more than 5000 children and families each year through various programs such as The Children’s Law Center, the Bette J. Dick ad Litem services and the Supervised Parent-Child Visitation Program.
Life Centers
lifecenters.com (317)541-8101
This Christian-based pregnancy resource center is one of eight such centers in central Indiana. Together they serve more than 20,000 young women and men per year who find themselves in difficult pregnancy situations. Confidential, free services include pregnancy tests, ultrasound exams, peer counseling, 24-hour help line, support services and goods and post-abortion support groups.
Partnerships for Lawrence
lawrenceartcenter.net (317)855-8166
Arts programming, public art projects and cultural events are all part of what this local organization does. Using the tools of arts & culture, their plan utilizes place-making and cultural development as a317-344-7800 boost to the Lawrence economy. Not only do these programs provide “something to do” for residents and visitors, but they also help to increase the positive reputation of the area.
The Sharing Place
http://www.lutheranfamily.org/sharingplace.html (317)760-0420
The former Craig Middle School on Sunnyside is the location for this pantry which offers food as well as baby items, hygiene products and clothing. They serve more than 800 families each month, with a huge need for donations and volunteers.
United Hope Foundation
unitedhopefoundation.org (317)536-0298
The foundation specializes in helping individuals and families experiencing extreme hardship. Since 2005 they have donated nearly $1.5 million to individuals, families and other local non-profits, often finding people who have “slipped through the cracks” and need a helping hand…some hope.
Young Life Lawrence
lawrence.younglife.org (317)557-5933
A Christian organization not affiliated with a church, a school organization not affiliated with a school, this organization introduces teens to the Gospel and helps them find a church home. Feeding their souls is part of the plan; through relationships, programming and weekly activities.
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