Manitowoc’s local nonprofit, InCourage, was pleased with donations and community support over the holiday season. The group is dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and currently serves 40 or more people at any given time who are staying in the shelter.
Holiday donations to the nonprofit increased this year through the Leadership Manitowoc county group, sponsored through the Chamber, who created a “goods drive” to benefit Incourage. According to Jason Granger, Fund Development and Community Relations Specialist with Incourage, “After they heard about the needs of InCourage, what we are constantly in need of, how full we tend to be, they all jumped in head first to make it work. They encouraged their coworkers to donate, and community members could donate as well. It was very well received by all accounts.” In addition to the Chamber donation boxes, businesses and organizations around the area donated to InCourage. Hope Community Church, St. Francis of Assisi, the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department, Silverlake College, Eck Industries, Seehafer Broadcasting, and several others took up collections for InCourage this holiday season. Granger notes, “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. We got presents for kiddos and parents alike. The community also loaded us down with food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products, among other donations. It’s wonderful. I think people may be surprised how quickly we can go through these things. Fortunately, our community has very much so rallied around InCourage. A good example of this is our Facebook page. Whenever we put out a request for an item, generally speaking, within 24 hours the community has responded. We get donors from Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Reedsville, Kellnersville, Cato, Two Creeks, Valders, and as far away as Sheboygan, Green Bay, and Door County. So it is nice to be surrounded by people who care about the work that we do.”
Incourage is currently most in need of meat, towels, pillows, and fresh fruit, however, most goods you can think of that you use around your house are also always in demand. Financial donations are always greatly appreciated. Incourage is currently in the midst of their annual appeal, and busy gearing up for their Domestic Chef fundraiser in April. This year it will feature a golf outing beforehand. If anyone wants to attend either of these events or has interest in sponsoring the event, contact Jason Granger at 920-684-4661 or jason.granger@incouragewi.org
