The Gallant Companies is a commercial general contractor

I don't have a picture to include but I would like to say that after two and a half years, I am still enjoying volunteering at Safe Haven Wildlife in Marengo. The entire experience has been wonderful. I have met great people with a similar passion for helping wildlife and I have learned innumerable things about the care and rehabilitation of animals. Each week, I look forward to my time there and caring for the animals. I am grateful that the opportunity was posted on your website which made it easy to get involved.

Thanks again!

Becky

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My name Joan I am of Cuban descent born and raised in the USA.

I have been a volunteer for the Marengo Pantry since 2000 . I help them in translations of new applications from English to Spanish and help the Hispanic clients fill them out . I read, speak and write fluently in Spanish. I print mailers when the Northern Illinois Food Truck comes ( Spanish & English ).We have other programs like Christmas time; Angel Tree , Holiday foods, Toys for Tots and Clearance House. We, also, work with General Assistance Mary Ann for energy and monetary emergency help. All those programs need to be explained and be assisted in applying since most of our Mexican clients cannot read - so, I am there to help. I work for the pantry every other week except November, December, January and February I am there every week due to Holiday progs. and new applications Jan through February. Of course, I am always available by phone if one of our administrators need translation assistance.

Our Administrator Janice is a most wonderful person to work with and a great friend among all the great and kind people of the M.O.R.E board members. Together we have achieved great strides working from a tiny two car garage behind a church to having our prayers answered this year in building a large facility on Greenly Ave. next to Nissan in Marengo. Our program has expanded to include many government amenities plus working with a ministry. We are growing because of all of the volunteers in our community. We could not have done what we have accomplished without them. I am testimony to what one person among a group can do to feed the hungry. I could tell you of how rewarding it is but it really has never crossed my mind. I volunteer because it is my duty and it is my responsibility to help those less fortunate. To be a volunteer means to be guided to selfless work; not to expect any returns.

I have enclosed a picture of some of our volunteers. I am the one in the middle, standing. The redhead to the right is Janice our administrator. Behind us is the Northern Illinois Food Bank truck which had just emptied 7 - 9 thousand pounds of food for our clients on April 12, 2006.

Joan

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The Gallant Companies is a commercial general contractor, headquartered in Marengo, IL. We build locally and nationally for many retail, restaurant and financial institutions. In addition to stressing excellent customer service, the Gallant management encourages its staff to volunteer to give back to the community.

Last year, we stationed volunteer employees, two at a time, at the entrance to Logli’s in Rockford , to ring the bell for the Salvation Army for an 8-hour period. None of us had ever done this before and were not sure of what to expect but found the experience to be fun as well as moving. We couldn’t believe how many people stopped to thank us for our time. As each of us turned over the post to the next twosome, a friendly competition broke out among the teams to see how many times the collection pot had to be replaced during each two hour period. People were very generous and at the end of the day, the Gallant team had collected $601.98 and had a great time doing so.