Non-profits: Leprechauns help make holiday bright for children
Kelly Nashleanas (pictured right) of nonprofit Lucky Leprechauns of Kids talks with a volunteer Aug. 7, 2014, at Northern Hills Retirement Community in Sioux City. Annual events including the backpack drive and Santa Drive help local children. Both events are sponsored by Sioux City Ford Lincoln.
When Kelly Nashleanas’ son approached her eight years ago about helping children during the holidays, she had no idea where it would lead.
At first, Ben Nashleanas said he wanted to start a non-profit after he received his medical degree, but his mom said “why not start now?” And the Lucky Leprechauns for Kids was formed.
The idea was simple: Find a way to help the less fortunate during the holidays as a way to give back to the community. Nashleanas, of Hinton, and her son turned to family members who are school teachers for input. And to help identify struggling families in their respective schools. “His grandma and aunt are teachers. We found it to be good system of letting us know,” Nashleanas said.
But once word got out, the effort grew, and grew and grew. “We started helping about 30 kids the first year and then it grew to 60 kids and then to 300. Then we started writing grants.”
Nashleanas said the initiative has helped more than 5,000 families since it started. She said it would not be possible without the help of partners, including Sioux City Ford Lincoln and Great Southern Bank.
“We’re excited about the partnership because we are helping provide items children truly need, such as coats, scarves, books and Christmas wish list items these children would likely go without,” said Sam Burrish with Sioux City Ford Lincoln.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Sioux City Ford Lincoln will host a gift wrapping party to ready many of the items for distribution to the selected children and families. Anyone is welcome to help. The wrapping will take place at the dealership’s 3601 Singing Hills Blvd. location at 5:30 p.m.
Through the partnership, Sioux City Ford Lincoln has donated $1,000, which is matched by Great Southern Bank. They are calling on the community to help make their contributions go even further.
Anyone may donate money at an area Great Southern Bank location through Dec. 24. All of the donations stay local and go directly to helping kids. The Lucky Leprechauns for Kids is a 501c(3) non-profit, so contribution’s are tax deductible. They do not take out administrative or other operating costs from donations. If you’d like a tax receipt or thank you note, please leave that information with the bank at the time of deposit.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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