Reprint from the Daily Southtown
In Uniform
Want to help military families in need? Here’s your chance
July 8, 2007
Many times, they really don’t need much.
When a Southland charity asked the wife of one deployed serviceman what she needed, the military wife asked only for help paying the fees for her two young sons to play Little League Baseball.
It was a request Americans Standing Together Proudly was happy to fulfill.
“We know we’re not going to pay a mortgage for someone,” said Dominic D’Ambrosio, president of Americans Standing Together Proudly. “It’s whatever we can offer them to take some of the burden off with one of their family members away.”
The 5-year-old organization that has members throughout the south suburbs began a fund in March that distributes money to families of deployed service members.
So far, they’ve distributed about $1,000.
To help bulk up the fund, the group will host a fundraiser today on the site of Oak Fest, at 159th Street and Long Avenue.
The event will include live bands, food and drinks. Americans Standing Together Proudly also plans to raffle off White Sox tickets, D’Ambrosio said.
So far, the group has received fewer than 10 requests for cash, but D’Ambrosio said people might not know money is available.
To apply for help, military families can fill out a one-page application, which the organization will review. They will determine on a case-by-case basis how much money to award.
“The idea is that by this (troop) being away that this family is baring a burden,” D’Ambrosio said of the fund.
Visit www.4astp.com to apply.
Kristen Schorsch may be reached at
kschorsch@dailysouthtown.com
or (708) 633-5992.
If You Go
What: Americans Standing Together Proudly fundraiser for families of deployed service members
When: 1 p.m. today
Where: 159th Street and Long Avenue, Oak Forest
Cost: $10 donation; children 12 and younger are free
For more information: www.4astp.com or e-mail astpevents@hotmail.com
