From now on June 1st will forever be a day to think of Shirely Kiss, one of the founders of We Care of Grundy County.
The Grundy County board has designated it as Shirley Kiss Day, but rather than take the day to relax and be celebrated, Shirley will be doing what she does best...finding a way to help those in need in Grundy County.
She may have retired from We Care last month, but as We Care executive director Denise Gaska said then "she is We Care," and won't go too far.
On June 1 Shirley will celebrate her 80th birthday (May 29) by holding a special radio show on WCSJ 103.1 in Morris. Her, disc jockey Dick Steele and well known fund raiser Joe Schmitz will be on live from 9 a.m. to noon raising money so that We Care can purchase its current location.
Grundy County Board Chairman Frank Halpin felt dedicating the day to Shirley was the least the county could do. "It's only right," he said after the thousands of people she has helped through the years.
We Care helps people on an emergency basis with rent or mortgage bills, helps with prescription costs and also supplies food through its food shelter.
I hope through the years that the residents of Grundy County will take a minute to reflect on Shirley's good deeds and realize that we can all do a little more. And this June 1 Shirley is giving everyone the opportunity to not just say "I should do more," but to actually do it, right then.
So as you wake up with your Sunday morning coffee June 1 turn on the radio and listen to Shirley, Joe and Dick tell stories of We Care's past and more importantly Shirley's role.
And as you tune in while reading your Sunday Joliet Herald grab the cell and call WCSJ,(815) 941-1000, ext. 101, wish Shirley a wonderful birthday and as a present donate to the organization that she donated almost half of her life to.
The radio show will kick-off a fundraising goal of $80,000 for We Care to purchase its office. Once it's purchased a sign will be added out front naming it "The Shirley Kiss Center."
This sign will ensure that those who already know her will never forget and it will make people in the future who have not been lucky enough to meet her ask "Who is Shirley Kiss?"
And as Gaska already said, the answer will always be "She is We Care."
If your morning will be too busy June 1st you can send donations to the We Care office at 520 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, IL 60450 or call at (815) 942-6389.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
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