Caring Cupboards Initiative Reaches Across County Lines

Bourbon and Bremen boxes
Photo Source: Caring Cupboards of Plymouth FB Group

The Caring Cupboards initiative, which got its start locally in Marshall County has spread across the area and even reached over county lines.

Organizer Rebecca Palmer provided an update to the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety when they met for their final meeting in November. 

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Triton Students and Staff Pitch In to Help Feed Malnourished Children

Photo Source: Triton Facebook Page

Staff and students from the Triton Community School Corporation recently pitched in with a philanthropic effort that exemplifies the giving spirit.

Last Wednesday, about twenty Jr./Sr. High students, a group of fifth and sixth graders as well as some administrators, bus drivers and teachers helped pack more than 430 boxes for the organization ‘Feed My Starving Children.’ This program provides food to malnourished children all over the world. Continue reading

Charitable Cyclist on Cross-Country Mission to Bring Awareness to the “Care for Rare” Foundation Passes Through Marshall County

Photo Source: Plymouth Fire Department FB Page

A German cyclist and former firefighter is riding across America to raise awareness of rare diseases afflicting children all over the world.

In coordination with the Munich-based organization “Care for Rare”, Jörg Richter embarked on his journey back in April, leaving from San Francisco. Continue reading

Million Meal Movement Gives ISP Resources to Help Feed Hoosier Families

Corporal Daniel Avitia Picking up meals for the Lowell District

ISP Troopers are now better equipped to provide help when they’re dealing with people in need of nutrition assistance.

At the beginning of this month, the Million Meal Movement provided the Indiana State Police with more than 300 meal packets that contain enough nutrients to feed a family of four. Continue reading

Dealerships Can Begin Registering Driven to Give Charity Fundraisers Later This Month

Car finance services like Byrider Franchise and car dealerships are now high in demand. On February 14th, Lincoln car dealerships will be able to begin registering to host Driven to Give charity events for the spring season.

The event allows community members to take test drives and donate $20 to a particular charity, sometimes an extra $10 can be donated for each additional vehicles driven. Used Cars for Sale is also being encouraged by the community members too. Spring fundraisers can be held anytime between April 1st and July 31st. All Lincoln dealerships are only permitted to host four events per season.

Plymouth Band Director Bryan Ames previously mentioned that by holding these kinds of fundraisers, the local car dealership has helped raise more than $17,000 for the band program since 2010. Continue reading

Plymouth Students Collect Over $39,000 During Riley Dance Marathon Fundraisers

A number of Plymouth Community School students danced their way into setting a new record and exceeding their set goal during the Riley Dance Marathon fundraisers held in January.

PCSC Marketing Director Judi Lykowki shared that the PHS Dance Marathon committee coordinated with some of the elementary schools to hold super-hero days. Kids donated a dollar and then they were able to wear a cape or their favorite super hero shirt to school to show support for the charity.

On Friday, mini dance marathons were held at Lincoln Junior High School and Riverside Intermediate School. More than $13,500 was raised between the two schools. Continue reading

Year-End Tax Tips from the Internal Revenue Service

For most tax payers, December 31st is the last day to take actions that will impact 2017 tax returns, according to the IRS.

For instance, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. This means donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for the 2017 tax even if the bill isn’t paid until 2018 and checks made to a charity count for 2017 as long as they’re mailed by the last day of the year.

Taxpayers are urged to refrain from preparing their tax returns until all necessary forms and documents are received. Needed documentation includes W-2 forms from employers and 1099 forms from banks and other payers. Continue reading

Plymouth Bus Drivers’ to Host a Food Drive this Saturday

This Saturday, bus drivers for Plymouth Community Schools will be tackling a different kind of drive; a food drive.

On Saturday, December 16th, drivers are holding the ‘Stuff a Bus Food Drive’ in order to benefit the Marshall County Neighborhood Center and the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Drivers will be stationed in the Walmart parking lot in Plymouth from 9 a.m. until noon.

They’ll be collecting nonperishable food items in an attempt to fill an entire bus with supplies that will assist local families in need. Come out this Saturday and help Plymouth bus drivers collect enough food to drive away hunger this holiday season.

Triton Students Pitch in to Help Feed Hungry Kids Around the World

picture provided by Superintendent Donna Burroughs

Several Triton students recently participated in a philanthropic endeavor to help bring food to disadvantaged kids and families around the world.

Superintendent Donna Burroughs said that a group of fifth and sixth-grade students ventured to Nappanee to assist in the Feed My Starving Children service learning project. She said they were accompanied by members of the Jr./Sr. High girls’ basketball team who chipped in and also served as chaperones for the younger students.

During their two hour visit, the students were able to help make 66,000 meals to feed more than 165 children in various underprivileged nations who receive assistance through this program. Continue reading

American Heart Association Seeks Donations for the Little Hats, Big Hearts Program

Can you knit or crochet? Your skills are needed to help the American Heart Association with their Little Hats, Big Hearts program.

Now through December 31st the AHA is collecting knitted or crocheted red baby hats to distribute in Indiana hospitals in the month of February, American Heart Month. The program is meant to raise awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of Americans and congenital heart defects, the most common birth defect in the country.

They are seeking hats for newborns and preemies made of red yarn that is either cotton or acrylic, medium to heavy weight that can be machine washed and dried. Don’t worry if you’re not the knitting or crocheting type, yarn can also be donated to the cause. Continue reading

Bremen Troopers Participating in Tip-a-Cop to Assist Special Olympics Indiana

Several troopers from Indiana State Police Bremen Post are participating in the annual Tip-a-Cop event to raise money for Special Olympics Indiana. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. this Saturday, troopers will be working and collecting tips at a chain restaurant located at 4010 N Main Street in Mishawaka.

This is the 12th year that Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has put on the nationwide Tip-a-Cop event which serves as not only a fundraiser, but a public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics Indiana.

The not-for-profit organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in over 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 12,000 athletes across Indiana. Since Special Olympics Indiana is not a United Way agency and receives no federal or state appropriated funds, they rely entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. Continue reading