Culver’s of Middleton has joined hands with MOM in lending their name to a good cause, donating a portion of their proceeds, thus giving a helping hand to the poor. That was five weeks ago, and will happen again this fall. As was pointed out in the article that ran in both the Madison and Middleton papers last week, this joint venture is definitely a “win-win situation” for everyone involved.

Culver's is not alone in turning over a percentage of their proceeds to support MOM's Food Pantry. Three weeks ago, Thomas Mulholland, 4, and his mother Cindy (not pictured), conducted a classic lemonade stand outside the MOM office on Hubbard Avenue , a higher foot-traffic area than their Madison home.

Here’s their scenario: Thomas helps make the cookies and mix the lemonade, which he sells for 25 cents apiece and 25 cents a glass. This precocious child learns to make both conversation and change. Many passersby also let him round up to the nearest dollar, knowing that 100% of proceeds were going to MOM.

Bottom line: In two hours, this budding, outgoing entrepreneur “rounds up” $57.50, twice his initial goal. That precious gift will buy more than 400 pounds of food at Second Harvest Food Bank.

This week he’s back. Thomas cares. Thomas matters. So buy more lemonade and cookies, and may his tribe increase.

Thomas is one of a growing number of childlike, youthful, and creative enterprises to support MOM. That’s priceless. And so encouraging for staff and volunteers alike, especially after a dramatic fall-off in donations to our food pantry—the usual summer draught.

The United Way —an extension of you all—also cares deeply about what matters. Their fall campaign is upon us. The tide is turning.

Middleton Outreach Ministry hosted community volunteers on both the Dane County United Way kickoff, August 26, and on the first annual “Middleton Day of Caring,” August 27.

That first day six volunteers from General Casualty Insurance of Sun Prairie, with the energy of an “extreme makeover” crew, tackled the seasonal clothing switch at MOM’s Distribution Center , located in the Middleton Business Park . The sorting and display work was hot, tedious, and dusty—but with smiles and gusto they pitched in. The volunteer fun continued into the next day, as American Girl managers finished up the switchover from summer to winter clothes at our Clothing Closet.

United Way Day of Caring volunteers also did indoor and outdoor chores at the homes of eight different Seniors from our Project for Older People. Springs Window Fashions, American Girl, Full Compass, and Sakowski Consulting, LLC—38 volunteers total—each kept the work flowing and the day exciting.

Middleton’s Day of Caring ended with a rally at the Good Neighbor Fest at Fireman’s Park. By dedicating their time to help others in the community, once again we show and let others see just why Middleton is the “Good Neighbor” city.

From all of us at MOM—the staff, year-round volunteers and clients alike—we say, “Thank you!”

When United Way calls, give generously to “what matters.” Remember, children and Seniors matter. The homeless and the hungry matter. Education and the future matters. Culver’s and you cared enough to donate, so Middleton matters. Thomas and his tribe matter. Agencies like MOM matter. You matter.

Kate Gaines, MOM’s Director of Volunteer Services, also contributed to this article. To volunteer and show how much you care, contact her at kate@mompop.org, or 826-3409, or volunteer online at www@mompop.org or www.volunteeryourtime.org.

© 2004 Middleton Outreach Ministry

Site design and maintenance donated by Liberty Professional Services, LLC
Hosting donated by TDS Metrocom