Merry Christmas Issaquah sets donor record, but falls short of goal
January 8, 2013
Though Merry Christmas Issaquah set a record for the number of donors, Issaquah Community Services did not meet the goal set for the 2012 fundraising drive.
Donors can still give to Merry Christmas Issaquah
January 1, 2013
Merry Christmas Issaquah is still more than $11,000 shy as the annual fundraising drive for the nonprofit Issaquah Community Services continues.
Donors can still give to Merry Christmas Issaquah to help Issaquah Community Services reach a $75,000 goal. So far, 199 donors have contributed $63,698 in much-needed funds.
The all-volunteer organization provided more than $88,000 in assistance to local families last year, in the form of rent and utility assistance, or emergency aid. The city provides office space and overhead, so 100 percent of donations go to people in need.
Merry Christmas Issaquah fundraising drive is 45 percent under goal
December 25, 2012
The all-volunteer organization Issaquah Community Services provided more than $88,000 in assistance to local families last year, in the form of rent and utility assistance, or emergency aid.
Merry Christmas Issaquah helps during hardships all year
December 18, 2012
Sudden hardships can expose people reeling from the effects of the fragile economy to even more risk — financial trouble, utility shutdowns and, in extreme cases, homelessness.
Merry Christmas Issaquah strengthens community ties
December 11, 2012
Since the economy entered a nosedive in 2008, and throughout the fragile recovery since, volunteers at Issaquah Community Services keep hearing a familiar story.
The breadwinner for a household, laid off during the recession, needs help to make ends meet. The volunteers listen and, in many cases, offer assistance to pay the rent or to keep the electricity on.
Milicent Savage, Issaquah Community Services president, remembers the stories from two men recently at the organization’s office.
The men, both fathers and husbands, needed assistance to cover rent expenses for the month. Savage recalled how one man — a former Microsoft employee now working as a custodian — broke down.
Hallelujah! Sing & Play Along Messiah! returns
December 11, 2012
Christmas revelers can create a joyful noise and benefit Issaquah Community Services as St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church hosts Sing & Play Along Messiah! — a concert to aid people in need throughout the community.
Proceeds from the event go to Issaquah Community Services’ Merry Christmas Issaquah fund.
“The real intent behind ‘Messiah’ was and still is to benefit the needs of the local community,” said Jason Anderson, associate for liturgical arts and youth formation at the downtown Issaquah church.
George Frideric Handel composed “Messiah” in 1741 to illustrate scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. “Messiah” ranks among the best-known musical works from the Baroque period, and the piece is especially popular around Christmas
Volunteers inspire Merry Christmas Issaquah success
December 4, 2012
The nonprofit organization Issaquah Community Services encounters clients in times of need.
Sometimes, a landlord is threatening eviction, or a utility is about to turn off electricity. In some cases, assistance is needed to fund unexpected medical or repair expenses.
Milicent Savage, Issaquah Community Services president, said the organization’s volunteers fill a critical role. The organization relies on a trained team to assist people in need — especially if the person requesting assistance is embarrassed or reluctant.
Merry Christmas Issaquah helps families in need
November 27, 2012
Soon after a pipe burst, a deluge of generosity descended on Judith Tetzlaff’s home.
In early November, a pipe burst in the bathroom at the Tiger Mountain mobile home Tetzlaff and her sister share. The estimated repair expense from the unexpected problem strained the sisters’ limited incomes.
“If you have any kind of unexpected expense, there goes either the repair or the groceries,” Tetzlaff said.
So, the sisters turned to Issaquah Community Services for assistance.
Issaquah Community Services needs donations to meet summer demand
July 17, 2012
The nonprofit organization Issaquah Community Services is facing increased demand for aid — so great the organization shut down for more than a week in June after exhausting funds for the month.
The organization since reopened to clients, but demand remains high, and leaders asked the public to consider donations in order for Issaquah Community Services to continue providing aid.
Merry Christmas Issaquah donations set record
January 10, 2012
End of the year donations to Merry Christmas Issaquah sent the fund drive well beyond its $65,000 goal. With $77,362 total donations, the fund drive set a new record, 16 percent ahead of last year. There were 231 donors, also a new record.
The donations ranged from a few dollars to dual donations of $10,000. The proceeds will ensure that Issaquah Community Services has adequate funding to meet the growing needs for emergency financial assistance. During 2011, more than $88,000 in assistance was provided to local families facing eviction or utility shut-off, or just needing a bus ticket.
Merry Christmas Issaquah was first initiated by The Issaquah Press in 1981 when about $1,000 was donated. Over the past three decades, more than $785,000 has been collected to fund ICS in the nonprofit organization’s mission of providing emergency financial aid.
The fund drive is closed for the year, but donations can be sent any time to ICS, P.O. Box 669, Issaquah, WA 98027. ICS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more or volunteer by emailing info@issaquahcommunityservices.com.
