Project HELP is in the news:

 

Naperville’s news station, NCTV17, interview clip with Shelley Bromberek-Lambert and Peggy McGuire. They discuss Project HELP, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, our partnership and the significant impact it makes on the families we serve. Our partnership is a perfect fi

Fikin Fest 2017

First Naperville Firkin Fest draws 500 beer enthusiasts

Read the Naperville Sun Article Here!

 

Bike Build Event 2017

The City of Naperville organized with Project HELP a Bike Build event. Thank you to the amazing heart and souls of the City of Naperville employees, Handle Bars of Naperville and AAA, as well as the generous donations and sponsors.  Twenty four of our low income, vulnerable families received bikes and helmets and they were built and delivered (in the pouring rain) to our families. Article of this event was featured in the Naperville Sun

Naperville city workers build bikes for needy kids
Chicago Tribune
By: Mary Salatino
Naperville Sun

More than three dozen city of Naperville employees assembled 24 children’s bicycles Wednesday in a volunteer project to benefit families in the Naperville area.
The bikes are to be donated to low-income families in Naperville and the greater DuPage County area through Project HELP. Naperville Human Resources employee Gina Marrano said employees chose the project as a fundraiser because it was a way to give children the joy of owning a bike and a fun, safe way to enjoy summer.
“At first I thought we were going to have six bikes,” Marrano said. “But with the donations, we were able to make that number 24.”
City employees held fundraisers, including a 50/50 raffle, and Handlebars Cycling Gym and Health Bar in downtown Naperville contributed as well by donating money raised during spinning classes. Other groups and businesses, including the Exchange Club of Naperville, also provided money.
In all, $1,384 was collected to purchase bikes. AAA donated 24 bike helmets, one for each bike recipient.
Sarah Orleans, a board member for Project HELP, recruited her brother Mark McNeill to help city employees put the bicycles together.
“I like the whole idea of giving children a chance to have a bike and a summer riding away from the digital world,” Orleans said.
Families that receive the bicycles are selected based on need, said Project Help Executive Director Peggy McGuire, noting the volunteer project became a community effort.
Project HELP’s mission is “empowering parents, nurturing families and strengthening communities,” according to their website. The organization provides home-based parent mentoring services and parenting education workshops.
Handlebars owner Kevin Millar said his business hosted trivia, karaoke and “music through the ages” events as part of their spin classes to raise money for the cause.
“It’s amazing what a little time could do,” Millar said.
“More lives will be touched because of the donations,” AAA spokeswoman Charlene Sligting-Yorke said.

msalatino@tribpub.com
Copyright © 2017, Naperville Sun

 

We are thrilled to share this article from Naperville Magazine about one of our parent mentors, Neil Samuels, who also happens to be the 2016 Exchange Club of America’s Parent Mentor of the Year.

NEIL SAMUELS—SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

2016 Naperville Ribfest Promo

 

1st Annual Project HELP Breakfast – NCTV17 Recap