Runde’s Raising Awareness for the East Dubuque Giving Tree

The holiday season is here and spirits are up for most especially at the East Dubuque Giving Tree organization. It’s a time of reflection and giving thanks as they say. But when is the last time you really thought about how you could give back to those who aren’t as fortunate as yourself?

I would like to introduce to you the Runde’s Raising Awareness Series. The goal of this series is to bring awareness to various non-profit organizations around the Tri-State area that provide truly selfless services for those in need of help. These organizations run mainly through donations and volunteer work and are almost always in need of contributions or further assistance.

We ask only one thing if nothing else is gained through this series: that you realize and acknowledge that these good deeds are being done in our very own community. Our first organization is The City of East Dubuque:

The City of East Dubuque Giving Tree (Wreath)

Every year The City of East Dubuque puts up a tree (this year they are using a wreath instead of a tree to save on space) loaded with cards that have names of families who are in need of assistance within the East Dubuque community school district. Individuals, families and companies are encouraged to donate to these families for the holidays by providing items the families need to City Hall which will be distributed shortly before Christmas.

To give us some insight into the program Joan Mai, City Treasurer of East Dubuque, did a short question and answer with us:

What a great program the city is offering – giving to those who need it most in our community. Do families sign up for the program or are they sought out?
The families sign up for the program. There are some qualifications families have to meet.

Are there any constant contributors to the program?
The Elks club donates food baskets to every family and Toys for Tots gives us a portion of what they collect to our toy drive. A & T Bent Prop collects money throughout the year and do a fund raising golf outing.

Do sponsors usually give money or an item?
It all depends, some people will drop off clothes and other goods. Some companies will make a monetary contribution and others will take a few family cards off the wreath to sponsor a family.

What kind of items are donated?
All kinds, really. Outfits, coats, toys, baby supplies… We also like to get board games for the family to play together.

When you sponsor a family is there a suggestion of what to get that family?
Yes. The group of cards on the wreath represent a family. The family members are identified on each card as a number to keep confidentiality. Each card has an item or items that each individual in that family needs along with their clothes and shoe sizes, as well as what they wished for this Christmas.

Cards on the Wreath list the items you can donate a family in need. 

Can anybody come here to City Hall and pick someone to donate to on the wreath?
Yes, everyone is welcome to help. People can make a donation towards any of the families on the wreath.

Where will the families go to get the goods?
We will be distributing everything at the “old” City Hall building at 303 Sinsinawa Ave.

When do you distribute the donations out to the families?
December 20th, 5 days before Christmas. When the families come they will also be given a food basket for them to enjoy along with the donated items collected from the Giving Tree/Wreath.

If you would like to donate to the City of  East Dubuque giving tree please use the following contact information.

Phone: (815) 747-3416
Email: Jmai@cityofeastdubuque.com
Web: www.cityofeastdubuque.com
Address: 185 Wisconsin Avenue
East Dubuque, Il. 61025