Local associations and brokerages are sharing stories of generosity and camaraderie during November and December as part of our REALTORS® Give Back project. In this first installment, we’re summarizing the efforts of two local associations and two brokerages.
Heartland REALTOR® Organization
Heartland REALTOR® Organization (HRO) collected and donated nearly 200 toys for the Marines’ Toys for Tots of McHenry County in December.
“Heartland REALTORS® Organization is proud to support many local charities throughout the many communities it serves,” said CEO Jim Haisler. “Of course, who doesn’t love helping ensure every child has access to a holiday gift and food on their plate. We’ve been hosting this annual event for more than a dozen years.”
Eighty HRO members participated in the project, Haisler said.
Quad City Area REALTORS®
Quad City Area REALTORS® President Kendra Mulcahy and CEO Sharon Smith led a group of 25 members and business partners that supported the Bettendorf (Iowa) Rotary Blanket Drive in late November.
Several members gathered to make 50 blankets as part of the project. Volunteers included: Andrea Sue Boeye, Brad Boeye and PT Boeye of Mel Foster, Greg Wischmann of EXP Realty and Mulcahy of Ruhl & Ruhl; as well as Heather Egger (Fortress Bank), Monica Kruse (Meridian Title), Hope McDonnell & daughter (Caliber Home Loans), Becky Meade (Sense Inspections), Roberta Pulse (Cherry Creek Mortgage), Kathy Littlejohn and Emily Mengler of the Quad City staff, and Smith. An additional 50 blankets were donated, too.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
In November, members of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes in Grayslake collected and donated 11 boxes of toys for the Great Lakes Toys for Tots in Lake County.
“At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes, our core values are passion, authenticity, inclusion, growth and excellence (PAIGE),” said Jim Starwalt, broker-owner and team leader. “Our passion is to make the world a better place because we are in it!”
Dickerson & Nieman
In December, Dickerson & Nieman of Rockford donated 54 bikes and helmets to the Salvation Army of Winnebago County for its Bikes for Tykes program. The donation came through the collective efforts of 70 members of the Dickerson & Nieman team.
Earlier in the year, Dickerson and Nieman agents and staff members participated in a 50/50 raffle to collect money for the project. They used the money to purchase the bikes and helmets and then they delivered the bikes and helmets during the Salvation Army’s “12 Hours of Salvation” Toy Drive.
Dickerson & Nieman staff and agents make several charitable donations throughout the year, including a Stuff the Bus school supplies campaign, the United Way and the Rockford Promise scholarship program.
(Please click on one of the photos below to open the photo gallery and identify some of the REALTORS® who participated.)