Monday, November 24, 2014

Our Foundation

God puts us in each other’s lives for a purpose. Each person that passes through our doors at It Takes a Village we feel the desire and responsibility as Christians to help impact their lives.

Albert Einstein had it right when he said “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” We see tragedy and heartbreak and have the chance to help turn it around, to lift up our fellow brother and sister. God didn’t create us for ourselves, but he created us for each other. This gives us our purpose in life— it’s the foundation of It Takes a Village.

Our Foundation is stable only through monetary, clothing and household donations. Our biggest need is the cost of keeping our doors open, without that our mission to serve those in need is impossible.

This month alone we have handed out more than 1,000 articles of clothing. It Takes a Village can continue to reach and exceed this month’s total—if we can get the monetary donations.


Would you consider joining us to strengthen our Foundation and purpose in life? Every dollar truly counts. 

Here is a look inside It Takes a Village:










Sunday, November 2, 2014

Drop off locations for toys for our Ultimate Christmas Giveaway

Christmas Toy Drop off Locations for It Takes a Village Central Illinois

Mahomet Locations:
Abby LaBoyteaux 1605 Mitchell Drive Mahomet IL 61853
Busey Bank 1501 E Oak Mahomet IL 61853

Monticello Locations:
Lynn’s Family Pharmacy 1402 N Market Monticello IL 61856

White Heath Locations:
Jackie Butler 201 E High White Heath IL 61884 (front porch)

Champaign Locations:
Arrangements can be made with Abby LaBoyteaux for pickup

Paxton Locations:

Cheryl Melchi 343 E Chestnut Paxton IL 60957

Gift Cards can be mailed to:
It Takes a Village Central IL

P.O. box 245
Mahomet IL 61853 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Christmas Gift Ideas

Birth - 2 Years
·   Bath toys
·   Blocks
·   Board books
·   Stacking toys
·   Stuffed animals
·   Soft Squeeze Balls
·   Plastic Keys On Rings
·   Play Gyms
·   Soft Dolls
·   Blankets
·   Musical toys

3-4 Years
·   Arts & crafts
·   Books (story & activity)
·   Dress-up / pretend play
·   Games and puzzles
·   Musical instruments
·   Outdoor toys
·   Riding Toys

5-7 Years
·   Action figures
·   Construction toys
·   Dolls & accessories
·   Puzzles & brain teasers
·   Play sets
·   Books

8-11 Years
·   Arts & crafts
·   Building & models
·   Gadgets & electronic toys
·   Remote control vehicles
·   Board Games
·   Sporting Equipment

12-16 Years
·   Collectible dolls & figures
·   Games
·   MP3 players & radios
·   Sports equipment
·   Jewelry making kits
·   Journals
·   Make Up Brush sets
·   Nail polish sets
·   Purses/cosmetic bags
·   Hair Accessories
·   Books
·   Hats/Baseball Caps
·   Yo-Yos
·   Backpacks
·   Nerf items
·   Remote control vehicles

Saturday, October 25, 2014

A beautiful message

Here at It Takes a Village Central IL we have always focused on handing out gently used clothing, free of rips and stains. Our Motto while working is "if you wouldn't put it on your child, don't hang it up". We have always felt it's an insult to offer clothing with rips and stains, just because your struggling doesn't mean you want to wear ratty clothing, and so we stress that when asking for gently used clothing.
I found this gem of an article, please enjoy:
Dear World: Lets Stop Giving Our Crap to the Poor

Monday, September 8, 2014

Christmas Bells are Ringing!

ITAV 3rd Annual Christmas Giveaway
Date: December 6th 2014
Time: TBA
Location: Grace Church, Mahomet IL
Registration: November 1st-November 15th
Items Required on Event Day: Photo ID


Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I register?
            Send email to ittakesavillagemahomet@yahoo.com with following information:
·        Full Name
·        Address
·        Phone Number
·        Children’s Full Name and Birth Dates
·        Proof of State or Government help, if not already verified with ITAV as a family in need. *If any pictures of proof is sent it will be immediately deleted after reviewed.

**Please note, Registration will not be accepted if any part of required information is missing.

Can I shop for children that do not live with me?
·        No. You are only allowed to shop for children living in your home, and proof needs to be verified or your registration will be incomplete, and you will be unable to shop.

Do I have to live in Mahomet, IL?
·        No. We serve all of Central IL.

Can I register for Giveaway through Facebook?
·        No. Registrations will only be allowed through email.

Can someone else come and shop for me, in the event that I can’t make it to the Giveaway?
·        Yes, with a signed proxy letter stating permission for person to shop in your place. Notice MUST be given before day of Giveaway.

Can I pick my own appointment time?
·        No. Once complete registration is submitted a time will be given in the order in which complete registration is submitted.


**If you have any further questions please contact Abby Laboyteux or Heather Denam. 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Time to restock our shelves and racks!

Families in need--need your help! We are really low in the following areas at our units, and some sizes have nothing! We need your help restocking our shelves so when families come to shop there are clothes to choose from. If you can buy a few things, or even snag some at garage sales our families would be grateful! All donations can be brought to 502 Colony Grove in Mahomet (there is a drop box by the front door). Here is what is needed:
BOYS Summer Clothing:
*5
*6
*7
*8
*12
*14
*16
*16
**Underwear in all sizes!
**Socks in all sizes!

GIRLS:
**Underwear in all sizes
**Socks in all sizes

Junior and Adult Women's:
***SORTS ALL SIZES
***TANK TOPS ALL SIZES
****SWIMSUITS ALL SIZES
***Underwear and Bra's ALL SIZES
***Socks in all sizes 
***Feminine products 

MEN'S Clothing:
*34x34 jeans 
*36x32 jeans  
*38x32 jeans 
*Sorts all sizes 

Household items:
**Toilet Paper
**Paper towels
**Dish soap
**Laundry soap 
These families need your help! Please help us help them! 
God Bless! 

Friday, May 9, 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

March Review

March 2014 Giveaway Totals
March 6th
3 Families
36 articles of clothing
1 complete set of dishes
3 mixing bowls
1 coffee pot

March 22nd
7 Families
288 articles of clothing
Coffee pot
Toaster 
2 sets of silverware
Knives
Strainer
3 coffee cups
2 plastic plates
1 complete set of dishes
2 sippy cups
6 Kitchen utensils
1 shower curtain
3 sets of 3 plastic bowls
1 measuring cup
1 large bowl
2 pitchers
BBQ fork
1 Crockpot 
1 bath towel
1 dish rag
1 hot pad
2 hand towels
2 wash rags
2 pillows
1 queen comforter
1 blanket
1 full sheet set 

Items given outside of Giveaways in March
Couch
Kitchen Table w/8 chairs
1 set of Bunk beds
1 full size bed
1 queen size bed
2 dressers
1 crock pot
Side table
Food 

Atwood Armory

Atwood Armory is more than just a firearm sales store in rural Atwood, Illinois.  They are angels in disguise among us.  Atwood Armory is owned by Bryan and Charidy Butcher and they have vowed to “pay it back to the community” because they know without the community, they wouldn’t be in business.  Each quarter they help an organization or person by holding a fundraiser.  Atwood Armory selects the firearm and purchases it out of their own funds for the fundraiser, never asking their intended recipient to cover any expenses. 
For the first quarter of 2014, It Takes a Village had the extreme fortune of being selected by Atwood Armory as the recipient of their 1st quarter fundraiser.  They raffled off a limited edition Special Ruger SR1911.  Through their efforts they presented I.T.A.V. with a check for $2,700 on March 29, 2014.  Lois White’s name was drawn as the winner of the gun. 
I.T.A.V. can never express to Atwood Armory our full appreciation and make them understand how much their generosity means to our organization.  There are no number of times that we can say “Thank You” that will allow us to let them know that we truly believe they are angels in disguise among us. 
To Bryan, Charidy and Atwood Armory….THANK YOU for everything you did for I.T.A.V. and for all of the other organizations/individuals you have selected in the past and for those you will select in the future.  Everyone is truly blessed to know you and know that all of us have your back, if you ever need us! 
To the I.T.A.V. members…please take a minute to thank Atwood Armory for their generosity to our organization that will allow us to continue helping others.  And be assured that I.T.A.V. will make sure that the money donated by Atwood Armory will go back into I.T.A.V. to help our current and future members. 

Thank you Atwood Armory!!!






Monday, April 7, 2014

Household Items needed as of April 7, 2014


·         Pots and Pans
·         Coffee Makers
·         Toasters
·         Microwaves
·         Other Small Kitchen Appliances
·         Silverware
·         Kitchen Utensils
·         Plastic plates, cups and bowls
·         Mixing bowls
·         Baking dishes
·         Pitchers
·         Food storage containers with lids
·         Towels, wash rags, hand towels
·         Hot pads, dish rags, hand towels
·         All size sheet sets (free of stains and holes)
·         Comforters all sizes (free of stains and holes)

March Giveaway Totals

March 2014 Giveaway Totals
March 6th
3 Families
36 articles of clothing
1 complete set of dishes
3 mixing bowls
1 coffee pot

March 22nd
7 Families
288 articles of clothing
Coffee pot
Toaster
2 sets of silverware
Knives
Strainer
3 coffee cups
2 plastic plates
1 complete set of dishes
2 sippy cups
6 kitchen utensils
1 shower curtain
3 sets of 3 plastic bowls
1 measuring cup
1 large bowl
2 pitchers
BBQ fork
1 Crockpot
1 bath towel
1 dish rag
1 hot pad
2 hand towels
2 wash rags
2 pillows
1 queen comforter
1 blanket
1 full sheet set

Items given outside of Giveaways in March
Couch
Kitchen Table w/8 chairs
1 set of Bunk beds
1 full size bed
1 queen size bed
2 dressers
1 crock pot
Side table

Food 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

How ITAV has helped the community this month

It Takes a Village Central Illinois provided the following items to members of our community. 

Household Items:
  • Washer
  • Couch with matching chair
  • Couch
  • Twin Mattress 
  • Complete Large Pot and Pan Set
  • Complete Dish Set
  • DVD Player
  • 3 Sheet Sets (various bed sizes)
  • Muffin Tin
  • 3 Large pans
  • Plates
  • Coffee Pot
  • Coffee Cups
  • 3 Bath Towels 

Clothing, Misc Items:
  • 322 articles of clothing (at most recent giveaway)
  • 5 pair of shoes
  • 2 packages of adult depends
  • 3 winter coats (2 kids, 1 adult)

Infant and Children:
  • Pack N Play
  • High Chair
  • Changing Table
  • 2 Booster Car Seat
  • Baby Bottles
  • 11 Bibs
  • 14 Burp Rags

Friday, February 21, 2014

We want your Business Card

Here at It Takes a Village, our families have needs that we are unable to fulfill, such as: firewood, plumbing, electrical and other various needs. We would like area Business Cards to put into a binder to share with families. You can send them to It Takes a Village Central IL PO Box 245 Mahomet IL 61853. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

It Takes a Villages goes to Maple Point

This Valentine's Day It Takes a Village members came together to hand-make and purchase Valentine's Day Cards for Seniors in the community. We were invited to share the cards at Maple Point, in Monticello, during their Valentine's Day Tea Time. Please enjoy the captured moments!


Jalyse Marie from Grandma's Place Daycare

Brookelynn 

Touching moment between Jackie and Norma, as Lynn is fixing her hair


Jeremiah and Samantha making room deliveries  

Jeremiah and Brookelynn ready to give out love

A simple project brought joy and happiness to many!