Community Helps CityHouse

This is the story we talked about this morning during the Local Star of the Day. It is from the McKinney Courier Gazette. It is so nice to read about our community coming to the aid of those less fortunate.
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When a local children’s shelter found themselves in a $500,000 deficit for their completion, many community businesses came forward to help.

Due to the declining economy, many grants and donations were taken back, which created the shortfall for Plano’s new shelter for children ages newborn to 9 years old who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. Now, their spring open date has been postponed until they can come up with the funds to complete construction.

“I am inspired daily by the numerous calls I receive from our community asking how they can help us complete the construction of My Friend’s House,” said Pat McGeehon, My Friend’s House Shelter director. “Often times it is a call from a company, an organization or an individual describing their own fundraising effort they are initiating to show their support. Despite all these efforts we still need over $400,000 to complete construction of this house. With adequate funding we can complete this safe haven in the way it was designed so children can live without fear, feel loved and cared about, and probably the most important -- allow them to have hope.”

Plano Bath and Glass, located at 3304 Custer Road, is one company or organization among the five that have committed to donating funds to help My Friend’s House.

For the months of January and February they are asking the community to bring change into the store. Anyone who donates their spare change will receive 20 percent off glass, mirror shower or window products. The person who donates the most change will receive $1,000 credit at Plano Bath and Glass.

Plano and Richardson’s Whole Food Markets decided to dedicate their annual Community Giving Day to support My Friend’s House. On Jan. 14, 5 percent of the day’s sales at both locations will be donated to help the shelter.

Among other donations, Hartford Insurance invited McGeehon to read the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and provided a donation to My Friend’s House.

Debbie Moczalla, assistant to the regional vice president, said many of the employees of Hartford Insurance committed to volunteer work at the shelter as well.

Local neighborhoods are also joining together and donating what they can to support the remaining construction.

Kathy Blank, CITY House development director, said Carole Pommer has been a catalyst through her neighborhood association in support of CITY House.

Pommer said many people have become interested in raising money and are advocating the idea through their work and churches.

Right now, Pommer has raised $550 from neighbors in Independence Estates.

Also on board is Plano West Boys Basketball team. Their booster club is donating funds to My Friend’s House at their Jan. 16 game against Plano East.

CITY House is a non-profit organization and is therefore tax exempt. If you are wishing to purchase furniture contact Lisa Rodgers at 972-424-4626.
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For more info check out their website. www.cityhouse.org

Carrie