Shelter seeks back-to-school ‘angels’
Over the past nine years, local “angels” have adopted the school supply lists for several hundred children who receive services at South Suburban Family Shelter, an agency that provides services to victims of domestic violence and their children, and the agency is hoping people will be just as generous this year. “We are looking for ‘Back to School Angels’ to adopt a child for back to school supplies,” according to Linda Schmidt, volunteer project coordinator. “You can adopt a student yourself, or get a group of people together to adopt a student and split the list up. This is a great opportunity to do community service with your own children because it is something they can relate to and understand.” Schmidt also states that donors do not have to do the actual shopping for supplies. SSFS is accepting gift cards from office supply stores and retailers where school supplies can be purchased. Donors can also send a check payable to South Suburban Family Shelter at P.O. Box 937, Homewood, IL 60430, Attention: BTS Angels. Those interested in being an Angel or looking to volunteer should contact Schmidt directly via e-mail at: lschmidt97@aol.com or call SSFS at 708-794-2140, ext. 303. For more information about South Suburban Family Shelter, call 708-794-2140, or www.ssfs1.org.
Learn how to help stray cat population
A program on how to help outside cats with Trap-Neuter-Return is from 10 to noon July 15 at PAWS, 8301 W. 191st St., Tinley Park. The workshop is outside and will demonstrate the tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, provide a list of low-cost clinics and instruction on how to transport cats safely. Donated food is available for registered caretakers. Traps are on loan with deposit that is fully refundable upon their return. Caretakers who attend a workshop receive priority for TNR assistance. More information is at www.TripleRPets.org or info@tripleRpets.org.
Moraine Valley offers stargazing sessions
Get close-up views of craters on the moon or the glow of different stars at Moraine Valley Community College’s telescope open viewing nights in 2017. This is the 15th year of free public viewings. The sessions are at 8:40 p.m. July 14, 8 p.m. Aug. 25, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29 and 6:15 p.m. Oct. 27 on the G. Jack Bradley Observation Deck, off Kean Avenue near 107th Street. Tom McCague, retired associate professor, hosts the viewings. An amateur astronomer for more than 40 years, McCague built the telescope using common hardware store items and donated it to the college. The telescope is a 61/2-foot Newtonian reflecting model with a 13-inch diameter. Attendees will have a chance to look through the telescope and are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. More information is at 708-974-5375 or morainevalley.edu.
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