The nominations are in for the 12 Days of Charitable Giving 2010. Our second of twelve charities to be featured this year is Wheeler Mission Ministries, a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or religion.
Here’s what our nominee had to say:
Wheeler Mission Ministries, located in downtown Indianapolis, is a non-denominational social services organization. Since 1893, it has provided services to the needs of the homeless and poor, regardless of race, national origin, or religion. Wheeler works in coordination with numerous other shelters and organizations (such as hospitals, law enforcement, and mental and behavioral health agencies) to provide help to those who walk through their doors. Wheeler keeps its doors open to the needy 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Many of those who come are also battling addiction. To answer this need, Wheeler operates the Hebron Center, a residential addiction recovery program located in Bloomington, Indiana.
There are always new needs and Wheeler continually finds ways to reach the needy and to help the community reach out to the needy. For Thanksgiving, Wheeler sponsors the Drumstick Dash, a 4.5 mile run/walk on Thanksgiving morning, the proceeds of which go to feed the hungry during the year. Over 20 local businesses partner with Wheeler for this event, including a local t.v. station, Starbucks, Applebee’s, and The Running Company. This represents only one of the many events coordinated by the mission every year. Wheeler Mission is fortunate to have the committed support of the Indianapolis community. But there are still so many people in need.
In order to provide for more people, Wheeler has expanded in recent years to five locations and over 100 employees. In September of 2010, Wheeler provided 7612 nights of lodging, 21,729 meals, and 154 medical and dental appointments. And like most missions, Wheeler receives most of its donations during the holiday season.
The residents of Indianapolis are lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity to reach out to those in need through Wheeler Mission. You can read personal testimony by the many whose lives have been changed and who have been given hope by the outpouring of generosity provided through Wheeler. Or donate by going to www.wheelermission.org
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And since you know that I’m a sucker for social media, I’ll also point you to their blog.
Just for the laughs, if they’re open 365 days per week, then how many days per year! Anyways, I do love this 12 days of charitable giving, great work!