Wednesday, May 07, 2008

By SUE NOWICKI
snowicki@modbee.com

last updated: April 13, 2008 07:22:20 AM

Networking can be the best way to solve problems. That's what happened when Shirley Nutt, chairwoman of the board of Special Needs Advocates for Understanding, was on www.freecycle.org a few weeks ago looking for things to sell at SNAFU's rummage sale. On the site, she found a request from a man looking for a bike for his friend, an older man with special needs.

Turns out the Modesto man's bike had been stolen.

Shirley e-mailed her agency's members and called The Bike Shop in Salida. Dan Steckman, a SNAFU member, offered to pay for a new bike and got a super deal from shop owner Tony Ferlito, who threw in a lock to prevent future thefts. Thomas, the special needs man, and his friend, Jim, who posted the ad, were delighted.

"It is an amazing feeling to see what happens when you connect people together," Shirley said. "I don't know who is more excited out of all of us."

Nancy Haydock of Turlock wrote to compliment the children and youth who volunteer their time and money for the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center.

"We have children who have birthday parties and ask for checks for the center instead of gifts for themselves," she said. "Children collect recyclables and use the money to buy supplies for the center. We have Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Eagle Scouts and many schoolchildren all helping the center to continue to promote respect for wildlife and the care of injured and/or orphaned wild animals."

For example, she said, Sarah Kline, a fourth-grader at Hickman School, visited the center with her camera. She created a calendar and earned $550 for the wildlife refuge.

"I am so proud of these young people who will make great leaders devoted to making sure our wildlife remains wild, healthy and viable," Nancy said.

Corporate donations make a big difference for area nonprofit agencies. Recently, for instance, Washington Mutual Inc. donated $2,350 to Haven Women's Center, which helps women struggling with abuse and addiction issues.

And on March 29, Save Mart Supermarkets gave nearly $250,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Cashiers from Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx stores solicited contributions in February to come up with the money, which exceeded the company's target of $150,000. Save Mart CEO Bob Piccinini added a $5,000 check from the Save Mart C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Arts, Education, Sports) charitable organization.

Service organizations also continue to contribute, helping organizations and individuals in this tough economy. Kuljinder Sekhon, principal of Pearson Elementary in Modesto, said the Gateway Rotary Club donated 11 27-inch TV sets with built-in DVD players to her school.

"We had some DVDs and some TVs, but it wasn't very convenient," Kuljinder said. "When organizations and school sites work together, it benefits the students."

Do you have a story about someone who has helped others or is a terrific role model? Send a brief item to Sue Nowicki at P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352 or e-mail snowicki@modbee.com.