Update – Walk for Warmth

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Lodge 106 of St. Joseph County has donated again to Community Action’s Walk for Warmth campaign.

During activity Thursday evening (January 14th) at the FOP building near Centreville, Lodge 106 President Bob Kelley presented a check for $3,000 to Nancy Johnson, Community Resource Manager for Community Action, St. Joseph County. Nancy Macfarlane, Chief Executive Office for Community Action, was also on hand for the presentation.

Community Action’s Walk for Warmth is a pledge-based walk that raises funds the agency uses to help low-income, elderly and disabled residents with heating assistance and utility shut-off notices in the St. Joseph County community.

All funds generated from the Walk for Warmth event in St. Joseph County are used for St. Joseph County residents only.

In 2008, Community Action’s Walk for Warmth campaign donations assisted 46 households keep their heat on in St. Joseph County.

This year’s St. Joseph County Walk for Warmth – the 25th such event – will take place on Saturday, February 27th, at the fairgrounds in Centreville. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 9:30. One and three-mile outdoor walk events will begin at 10 a.m.

Community Action’s goal this year is $18,000.

Regarding the donation from the FOP, Macfarlane said, “We’re really, really pleased” and added, “Every dollar helps someone.”

Johnson indicated that – with the recessionary economy – the need for the assistance provided through the Walk for Warmth has grown “probably 80 percent more this year, maybe even 90 percent more” and said “every dollar is going to make a difference to somebody.”

For more information about the Walk for Warmth, call Community Action in St. Joseph County at (269) 467-4506 or go to www.caascm.org/walkforwarmth.htm.