Giving Back In Council Bluffs, Iowa

This year in Council Bluffs, Iowa a few local businesses are giving thanks by kicking off the spirit of giving by supporting a local shelter. The Holiday Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn and Main Event Catering in Council Bluffs, IA have collected and counted the many blessing left by local supporters for the second annual CAN-DO canned food and toy drive. The proceeds will be donated to two different local shelters, New Visions Homeless Services and MICAH House.

New Visions Homeless Services is a non-profit organization that offers five different programs to Council Bluffs residents in need of shelter or meals. Programs such as;

1. Joshua House Emergency Shelter offering emergency shelter for men. 

1. Timothy House Transitional Living Program designed to help people get back on their feet. 

1. MOHMS Place Meal Site feeding homeless and near homeless families nightly.

1. David’s House Permanent Supportive Housing giving people a permanent residence if they qualify for the program

1. Dr. Maurice J. Hart Veterans Complex, a two year transitional program designed to help and aid veterans in their recovery from trauma, PTSD, financial loss, relationship issues and general life problems.

MICAH House is an emergency family shelter that provides a haven for local families and individuals who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness. They also provide the resources and support necessary to assist in their efforts to regain self-sufficiency in order to reenter the community in a timely manner.

Holiday Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn and Main Event Catering Council Bluffs, IA team CAN-DO drive.

"The donations we received from the local Council Bluff's community have been overwhelming. We thank the local community for their generosity. We are excited to present both perishable items and toys to the shelters," Jessica Vanderpool - Director of Sales - Holiday Inn & Suites - Council Bluffs, IA. 

Donations are being delivered to New Visions Homeless Services on December 4th in time for their annual holiday party on December 17th. Food items such as nonperishables, spices and condiments are welcomed, and items for teens including perfume/cologne kits, board games, books, and sports items are greatly appreciated.

"This year we're thankful to say we've received double the amount of donations in perishable items totaling up to $1500 and about an $800 value in toy donations," - Bill Vanderpool - General Manager - Holiday Inn & Suites - Council Bluffs, IA.  

In total the donations will help about 2,500 families during the Christmas Season. On the night of the holiday party at New Visions Homeless Services anywhere between 1,200-1,500 people will be in attendance with at least 800 of them being children. A fact sheet is provided for each child signed up for the event that outlines specific items in need. 

The shelter then works to make sure each child that attends receives the items on their list. Parents of the children are also empowered as the items are placed in a black bag for the parents to wrap up and give as gifts directly to their children. 

"It’s a wonderful program for everyone involved. We love participating in gathering donations for these local causes," Jessica Vanderpool - Director of Sales - Holiday Inn & Suites - Council Bluffs, IA.