MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

MAYOR INVITES WAYNEDALE RESIDENTS TO INCREASE HOLIDAY DONATIONS

The need at local non-profits to deliver services, help never ends

I recently had the opportunity to help Stuff-A-Bus with WLDE’s Jim and Carrie in the Morning where we collected thousands of pounds of food, medical supplies and household needs to donate to the Associated Churches’ food banks and the Franciscan Center. It was wonderful to see the giving spirit of our community in action. I am sure many Waynedale residents supported this effort, but the need at our local non-profit, social service agencies is ongoing, especially at the holidays.

I am proud of Fort Wayne’s long tradition of rolling up our sleeves and pitching in to help, but we can’t allow ourselves to think that someone else will do it for us. That is why I am asking the readers of The Waynedale News, as well as people across Fort Wayne, to donate to local agencies this year with your time, talent or treasure.

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Repeatedly I hear from our local social service agencies about the increased need for their programs and services. While some organizations receive grants, many rely on local donations from residents and businesses to keep their doors open and provide the needed hand up through emergency or safety-net services or long-term programs that improve the opportunities for local adults, children and families. It is because of your generosity that they are able to continue to deliver effective and needed services.

We have so many agencies doing important work here in our community that I can’t list them all, but I would encourage you to find one whose mission speaks to you and find out how you can help. Some people find it best to give financial resources or in-kind donations; others prefer to give of their time and ability. And I am sure that if you were to pick up the phone and give one of them a call, they would be able to tell you how you can help.

Fort Wayne is a great place to call home because of the good work of our families, friends and businesses year round. As we finish 2010, let us not forget our custom to help others. There are many non-profits based right here doing good work every day. And they couldn’t do that work without the generosity of you. Thank you for being a part of what makes me proud of our community.

With the spirit of the holidays in mind, the Botanical Conservatory downtown at the corner of Jefferson and Calhoun, has some wonderful holiday events and programs. Now through January 2, check out the “eye candy” of the Candyland exhibit featuring gorgeous poinsettias spilling over a luscious scene of gingerbread men and giant peppermint candy canes. Meet at the gingerbread house, or take your family photographs at the foot of an oversized lollipop.

The popular twelve-foot-tall poinsettia tree has returned with a candy twist. Reminiscent of the classic children’s board game, Candyland will please visitors of all ages! We’ll have our own version of the game for you to play. Don’t miss the rest of the Conservatory gardens dressed up in lights. Regular conservatory admission applies.

And come down at night to see lights twinkle when the gardens are open Thursday and Friday nights until 8 now through Christmas. For a complete list of conservatory events, visit botanicalconservatory.org.