You Can Make a Difference

Back-to-School Program - Urgent Need for Help

July 5th, 2010

Right now, more than 1 million school-aged children in America are homeless.  While the statistics are staggering, homelessness for children in grades Kindergarten through 12 has risen by 75 percent just in the past two years – the direct result of family job losses and mortgage foreclosures.  As you can imagine, being homeless takes a heavy toll on a child and the unfortunate lack of stability causes many children to fall behind in school.   Locally, Community Shelter Services’ “Back-to-School” Program is preparing to help a record number of children get a positive start as they to head back to the classroom this Fall.

 

You can be a part of the solution by sending a homeless or disadvantaged child the message that school is important.   Will you help by providing a boy or girl with the new clothing and school supplies they need to start the school year off right?  

 

This school year, Erie’s Community Shelter Services’ Back-to-School Program will help more than 200 students in grades Kindergarten through 12 who don’t have the financial resources to purchase new clothing, uniforms, shoes, backpacks and school supplies they need for academic success.

 

Please Support a Student Today

Sponsoring a student not only sends the message that school is important, but your gift will boost a disadvantaged child’s confidence and self-esteem the entire school year. 

·         Every dollar donated to our Back-to-School Program directly benefits a student in need

·         Every child helped by this program receives assistance from our homeless or emergency shelter, or lives in downtown Erie’s Little Italy neighborhood

·         The average back-to-school cost for one student is $200

 

How Can I Get Involved?

We invite you to support our Back-to-School Program in a way that best fits your ability

·         Purchase a gift card in the amount of $50   

·         Make a financial contribution by mail (655 West 16th Street, Erie PA 16502) or online at www.communityshelter.org

·         Fill a backpack with school supplies (please be sure to only purchase a sturdy backpack that will last a child the entire school year)

·         Personalize your donation by inviting your family or children to join in the shopping experience.   Call Georgian Turri at (814) 453-4613 and ask to directly sponsor a child on our waiting list

                 

Please say “yes!” and help a student look good and feel great this school year by supporting Community Shelter Services’ Back-to-School Program. 

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Find CSS on Facebook

April 9th, 2010

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Celebrity Bartender Event

March 17th, 2010

Molly Brannigan’s to Host CSS Celebrity Bartender Event

Community Shelter Services invites you to celebrate Memorial Day a little early - and with the luck of the Irish - at our 1st Annual “Celebrity Bartending Event” at Molly Brannigans, 5th & State in downtown Erie.  Dozens of Celebrity Bartenders will help raise much needed cash (through tips, so please tip generously!) on Thursday, May 27th from 6 to 9 p.m.  We will  sell raffle tickets to win prize-filled baskets - and a whole lot more!  For more information, Email frontieradvertising@gmail.com

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Christmas Sponsorship

November 5th, 2009

For many children in our community, a shelter will be “home” for the holidays.  Community Shelter Services will make every effort to ensure that Christmas will be memorable for the children in our area.

Here’s how you can make a child’s Christmas “merry and bright:”

1.  Groups or individuals can provide everything on a child’s list.

2.  Choose one or two items off of a child’s list.

3.  Provide gift cards.

4.  Make a monetary donation by donating online at communityshelter.org or by sending a check to:

Community Shelter Services
Christmas Sponsorship Program
655 West 16th Street
Erie, PA  16502

Make this Christmas a holiday for a child to remember!  Donate today!

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Donations Needed for Pizza with Santa

November 4th, 2009

Needy children in the Erie area are celebrating Christmas with a special Christmas party with Santa on December 14th, 2009. Donations of pizza are needed to make the event merry and bright for those at-risk children in the community. Approximately 100 children will be attending this party. If you would like to help out, please make a monetary donation by giving online at communityshelter.org or by sending a check to:

Community Shelter Services
Christmas Pizza Party
655 West 16th Street
Erie, PA  16502

Make this Christmas a holiday for a child to remember!  Donate today!

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Golf Club Raffle - And the Winner is…

September 1st, 2009

The Congratulations to Kiwanis member, Howard LeFever, who won the TaylorMade Golf Clubs sponsored by Iadeluca Chiropractic!  The drawing took place at noon on Tuesday, August 18th at the Kiwanis Club of Erie’s weekly luncheon at the Manneachor on State Street.  The guest speaker for the meeting pulled the winning name.  Howard was present at the meeting and was immediately awarded his prize!  The value of the golf clubs is over $1,500!  Thank you for everyone that helped raise crucial funds to help the homeless at Community Shelter Services! 

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Back-to-School Haircuts!

August 26th, 2009

Several excited youngsters enjoyed a complimentary haircut from none other than Amber Kinem, the owner of “Ambience Salon by Amber.”  The salon, located at 1164 West 10th Street, right on the corner of 10th & Cranberry Street, was the perfect place to inspire the Back-to-School crowd to try their best at school this year.  Many of the children staying in the emergency shelter or participating in the annual Back-to-School program at Community Shelter Services had tremendous smiles as Amber pampered them with beautiful haircuts.

Amber is one of the many success stories associated with the agency’s Back-to-School program.  In the past, she received much-needed school supplies for her children.  Now it is Amber’s time to give back, “I am happy to use my talents to give something back to those children starting the new school year.  I enjoyed pampering them today and seeing their smiling faces!”

Thanks again to Amber for donating her time and talent to those less-fortunate in the community!  The agency’s Back-to-School program is still in need of funds to help send local at-risk children back to school with essentials such as school uniforms and bookbags.  It is not too late to help!  Please make a financial contribution online by clicking on the “Donate Now” button or sending a check to:

Community Shelter Services
Attn:  Back-to-School Program
655 West 16th Street
Erie, PA  16502

Your gift can grant a child self-esteem, self-respect and other essentials that children need to succeed in school as well as in life!  Donate today!

 

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Summer Concert to Benefit the Homeless

August 5th, 2009

Help the homeless while enjoying some old-fashioned root beer floats and some great music!  On Sunday, August 9th at 6:30 p.m., the Belle Valley Presbyterian Church will hold a summer concert series which will be held outdoors.  Bring your lawnchairs and blankets - sit and enjoy listening to some of Erie’s top musicians and vocalists for a suggested donation of $5!  The price of admission includes root beer floats for all those that attend!

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Back to School Time Again!

June 22nd, 2009

 

Do you want to help the homeless and really make a difference in someone’s life? You can generously sponsor an at-risk child by providing Back-to-School clothing and other necessities.  This year, the agency is asking for donations of school uniforms and sturdy backpacks.  You can also contribute to the Back-to-School program by providing a gift card or a financial donation online at communityshelter.org.  Your contribution will provide an opportunity for academic and social success that is necessary for the happy and healthy future of a local child.  If you would like more information on this year’s Back-to-School program, please call Georgian Turri at (814) 453-4613. 

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Homeless Babies in Need of Your Donation

April 27th, 2009

Community Shelter Services has family apartments known as the Jane Earll Family Apartments, which are located at 652 West 17th Street. This is an extended shelter-stay program for families who are unable to secure independent housing at the end of their shelter stay. Families may stay in these units for an indefinite amount of time or until they are able to secure housing within the community. Families staying in the Jane Earll Family Apartments are required to pay 30% of their income for rent. 

One family staying in the Jane Earll Family Apartments is in need of gently-used summer clothes for their children. The twin boys fit into 12 month-old clothes and the little girl needs summer clothes that are fitted for 18-24 months. The family is also in need of a double-stroller for the twin baby boys pictured here (Jayden is on the left, and his brother, Justin is on the right). If you have any gently-used clothes, please donate them to the agency by dropping the items off any time to the emergency shelter at 652 West 17th Street. Please specify that the donations are for the family in the Jane Earll Family Apartments.  If you’d like to make a financial contribution to help those in the Jane Earll Family Apartments, click make a donation online.

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