One year later: BonaResponds gets a van!

Good things come to those who wait.

just got an email from the University, we will be allowed to use the van that Coates donated to us last year! It has sat on campus for an entire year (well a year in 3 weeks), but it has been approved :)

Inspection and registration being started now. Good news :)

Thanks again to the Coates for the donation!

Thank yous!!!!

Just wanted to take a second and thank some people for donations:

1. Tony Annunziato for a generous donation.
2. David Rakus for the bus we will be getting in Feb 2009 as well as starting a beef jerky sales program where BonaResponds will get much of the profits.
3. Steve Hayes for several appliances that will be given to Mark in West Clarksville plus a single mom working on her GED in Olean
4. The Driscolls, Jen, and two anonymous donors for for helping to establish a fund that will be used for micro lending.

Speaking of donations saw this article on donations during recessions. Not sure what it means for BonaResponds. I continue to maintain that getting volunteers and leaders is what we need.

Food banks, shelters benefit as charity stays closer to home - MarketWatch:

"'Given rising unemployment and food costs being high... it's harder and harder for everyone to make ends meet,' he said.
That doesn't mean Americans with the means to give are turning their backs on all charities this year -- especially when it comes to helping their neighbors.
Not surprisingly, giving fell 1%, on average, during recession years between 1967 and 2007, according to research from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Giving USA Foundation. In years without a recession, charitable giving typically grows 4.3%."

Thank You! Thank you! Thank you!!

While by no means an exhaustive list (and I apologize upfront if I missed anyone), we have received several nice donations to help us on the Ohio trip and in future events.

Gifts of over $100 in since the start of the school year:

• Bob Keenan--used tools. These tools will be used many many more times. It should be noted that some of these tools were those of SBU legend Leo Keenan.
• The Coates--for tools
  
• Pat Mahar--for Bob's Woods
• The Magieras
  
• First Baptist Church of Olean's Vacation Bible School
  
• The Retired NYS Troopers Association--for "John's" house.
• Emily Sinsabaugh
  

Additionally I want to single out two local retailers who have been very generous with both donations and selling many items at cost:

• Park and Shop in Allegany (Ok so I might influence that one a tad ;))
• Worth W. Smith in Olean.

Without the support of all of you, BonaResponds would only be a "good idea"

BonaResponds Tool drive!

Announcing the BonaResponds tool drive!

From now through September 8th. BonaResponds will be accepting tools (new or used) that can be used to help others.

We are looking for pretty much everything!

Drills, hammers, chain saws, saws, work gloves, safety glasses, screwdrivers, clippers, rope, step ladders, paint brushes, rollers, rakes, shovels, etc.

Also while not tools, we have a great need for first aid kits.

If you have a trailer to donate you will really be appreciated!!

Email BonaResponds to arrange pick-ups!

(BTW note to students: when you come back to school, it would be great if you could bring some of these things with you-so ask your neighbors and family now.)