DMC celebrated a significant milestone last week - our sweet sixteen. In the past few years we've reflected on our 14th anniversary and our quinceañera. This year, we decided to commemorate our 16th anniversary by donating to charitable organizations in our community.
DMC's Ryan Taylor spearheaded the donation drive. "In the city of Chicago, there are a ton of charity organizations, and it was very difficult to choose only a few for our donation drive. I turned to the web and a few local forums to 'crowd source' my decision, and a couple of organizations were spoken of very highly by community members and former volunteers."
Located about a mile from DMC's office, the Northwestern University Settlement House's (NUSH) mission is to nurture, educate, and inspire children and families in need to take personal responsibility and attain self-sufficiency. "NUSH is an organization that provides material and social support for needy families," says Taylor. "What impressed me in particular about NUSH was its list of 'Key Elements of Philosophy.' Among the list were several items that spoke to me and mirrored a lot of the values that DMC holds in high regard."
NUSH's Noble Square site is the headquarters of the program which also includes a theater, summer camp in Wisconsin, and Rowe Elementary School. In support of NUSH's programs DMC donated the following requested items:
- 16 boxes of granola bars
- 16 boxes of juice
- 16 packs of underwear for men, women, boys, and girls
- 16 children's swimsuits
"We have many different programs and serve hundreds of Chicagoans," says Belna Reyes, NUSH Director of Emergency Services. "These food items will go to children at our food pantry, which serves nearly 2,000 families monthly. The clothing items will benefit children attending our camp, whose families are not able to provide them."
Xavier of Northwestern University Settlement House carts DMC's donation.
Based in Noble Square, Northwestern University Settlement House provides material and social support for needy families.
Christopher House is an organization providing low-income children and families with equal access to tools and opportunities, and highlighting education as well as overall growth and development. Its efforts are focused on assisting youth under the age of 18.
"Growing up, I received a lot of support from family, friends, and the community, and I feel strongly that these interactions shaped me into who I am today," asserts Taylor. "No doubt, everyone at DMC and most of the readers here feel the same. As a result, I felt that DMC should help contribute to a well-organized group that is working actively to improve the lives and welfare of Chicago youth."
Christopher House's six Chicago locations assist various youth age brackets, from infants to 18-year-olds. "Diapers benefit families in our adult and teen women's programs, as well as infants and toddlers," says Gloria Kuechenberg, Director of Family Support Services. "Immediately after receiving DMC's donation, I was able to provide diapers for a family with an 18-month-old child." Diapers in sizes 3, 4, and 5 are in high demand, and DMC donated:
- 16 packs of diapers in 4 sizes (about 2,800 total)
Christopher House's Lincoln Park location is 1 of 6 serving Chicago.
DMC donated around 2,800 diapers in support of Christopher House.
As DMC continues to grow, we feel passionate about applying our success to promote the values we hold in high regard in our community. If anyone reading this blog would like more information on donating to local Chicago charities, please feel free to contact us at DMC.