The Giving Place-Tolono

06/06/2026

“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.”
― Langston Hughes

“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”― Tom Bodett “

A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.”― Carl Sandburg

“Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”― Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Volunteers were kept busy on Wednesday, The Giving Place served 9 families (0 new), 25 people and 10 kids. Food totaled $600.00 (12 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

Thanks to Linda, Jo Ellen, Sharon, Ernie, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday.

We are always looking for people willing to volunteer for Wednesday night food and clothing distribution. Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place started as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need. This ministry will continue for as long as we are able. If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit TGP on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00.

Psalm 33:18 - But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 - We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Micah 7:7 - But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Romans 5:3-4 - Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

05/30/2026

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”― Abraham Lincoln

“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.”― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

“The closer we walk with God, the more His light exposes the pride still hidden in us. In His light, we see ourselves more clearly, examine ourselves more honestly, and grow deeper in true humility.”― Prasanth Jonathan

We had a very BUSY day on Wednesday, The Giving Place served 12 families (1 new), 47 people and 23 kiddos. Food totaled 850.00 (17 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

Thanks to Linda, Cindy, Jo Ellen, Caitlyn, Ernie, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday.

We are always looking for people willing to volunteer for Wednesday night food and clothing distribution. Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place started as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need. This ministry will continue for as long as we are able. If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit TGP on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00.

Proverbs 11:2 ESV - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

James 4:10 ESV - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Colossians 3:12 ESV - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

05/26/2026

“The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness.”― William Blake

“Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life's important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives.”― Fred Rogers

“Thank you, dear God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.”― Garrison Keillor

“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all others, charity.”― Benjamin Franklin

We had a very quiet day on Wednesday, The Giving Place served 3 families (0 new), 4 people and 0 children. Food totaled $150.00 (3 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

Thanks to all of you who donated during the Postal carriers Stamp Out Hunger drive. A big thank you to Kent and Susan Plackett and Dale Rascher for making multiple trips to local post offices to pick up donations.

Thanks to Linda, Judi, Caitlyn and Dale for finishing the sorting of the donations.

Thanks to Linda, Sharon, Judi, Jo Ellen, Caitlyn, Ernie, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday.

We are always looking for people willing to volunteer for Wednesday night food and clothing distribution. Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place started as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need. This ministry will continue for as long as we are able. If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit TGP on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00.

Luke 6:37 ESV - “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Colossians 3:13 ESV - Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Romans 3:23 ESV - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV - Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

05/19/2026

Thank you to all the postal workers and volunteers during the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Thank you Unity 7 communities for your donations. Your donations not only supplied The Giving Place but also the St. Patrick's Pantry, Tolono and the Sadorus Food Pantry. Photo of Ann, Tolono post office RR 3 mail carrier.

05/14/2026

Team Work
“No member of a crew is praised for the rugged individuality of his rowing.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It takes two flints to make a fire.”― Louisa May Alcott

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on-Bill Withers

On Wednesday, The Giving Place served 9 families (0 new), 39 people and 18 children. Food totaled $750.00 (15 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

A very large thanks to Bronson Davis and the Scouts who helped him replace our dilapidated loading ramp as his Eagle Scout project. It was much safer this year bringing shopping carts loaded with donations.
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Thanks to all of you who donated during the Postal Carriers Stamp Out Hunger drive. We are still sorting all of the donations.

A big thank you to Kent and Susan Plackett and Dale Raschder for making multiple trips to local post offices to bring back load after load of donations.

And speaking of sorting, thanks to Sharon, Linda, Judi, Ernie, Dale and Mike for sorting the donations. Still a ways to go!

Thanks to Linda, Sharon, Judi, Jo Ellen, Ernie, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday.

We are always looking for people willing to volunteer for Wednesday night food and clothing distribution. Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place started as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need. This ministry will continue for as long as we are able. If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit TGP on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV - Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV - And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV - And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV - Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

Hymn
The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is his new creation,
By water and the word;
From Heav'n he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.

Wednesday, The Giving Place served 5 families (0 new), 24 people and 12 children. Food totaled $400.00 (8 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

All food is donated or purchased through cash donations from our very generous commUNITY!

Thanks to Caitlyn, Jo Ellen, Cindy, Linda, Judi, Karen, Sharon, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday night.

Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place continues as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need.

Needs: The Giving Place is in need of the following items: Cereal, 1 # bags/boxes of rice, boxed mashed potatoes, canned fruit, canned peas, canned carrots and canned/plastic bottled spaghetti sauce. Thanks to all who donate to TGP.

Matthew 16:18 ESV - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

2 Timothy 2:19 ESV - But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Ephesians 2:20 ESV - Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV - For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

04/24/2026

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”― Martin Luther King Jr.

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”― C.S. Lewis,

The Four Loves“How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet
"You don't spell it...you feel it." - Pooh”― A.A. Milne

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”― Dr. Seuss

Wednesday, The Giving Place served 8 families (1 new), 39 people and 21 children. Food totaled $6500.00 (13 boxes at ~$50.00 per box).

All food is donated or purchased through cash donations from our very generous commUNITY!

Thanks Linda, Judi, Karen, Sharon, Ernie, Dale and Mike for serving our clients Wednesday night.

Feel free to visit some Wednesday and see all the blessings that are happening and maybe become a part of it.

The Giving Place continues as a way for our church and other community churches to minister to the Unit 7 School District and help those in need.

The Giving Place is in need of the following items: Cereal, 1 # bags/boxes of rice, boxed mashed potatoes, dried pasta/spaghetti, canned pasta, canned meats, canned tomatoes,canned soups, canned fruit, canned peas, canned carrots and individual snacks. Thanks to all who donate to TGP.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV - So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

John 15:13 ESV - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 13:34-35 ESV - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”