Case Western Reserve University's Staff Advisory Council (SAC) basket raffle will help keep Cleveland area children warm this winter.

Proceeds from the popular raffle, which will take place during the annual Benefits Fair, November 18 and 19 in Crawford Hall, will be donated to Shoes and Clothes for Kids. Baskets to be raffled will be located on the first floor of Crawford, outside the alumni offices.

University departments and offices can help by donating a theme basket to the raffle, which is sponsored by SAC's community service committee. Baskets must be valued at $50 or more, wrapped in a clear covering in order to see the items enclosed and come with an itemized list of contents. Baskets must be delivered to Crawford Hall by November 17.

Last year's raffle garnered support from more than 40 offices around campus, and SAC wants to make this year's even more successful, said Rhonda Peoples, SAC community service committee co-chair.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids provides a unique service for income-eligible families in Greater Cleveland by distributing new shoes, clothing and items for infants and youth. This program is carried out though a network of partner agencies and offers a way for the Case to help families in need, said Judith Olson-Fallon, also a committee co-chair.

In 2002, about $1,000,000 of new clothing was distributed to over 40,000 children. Shoes and Clothes for Kids also provides $10 Payless ShoeSource gift certificates to allow children to select their own shoes. From 1999 to 2002, over 45,000 Payless gift cards valued at over $600,000 were distributed with a 94 percent redemption rate.

To donate a basket, contact Olson-Fallon at jko2@case.edu or Peoples at rmp3@case.edu.

Return to the online edition of the 10-30-03 Campus News.