Marshall's Lighthouse Shelter kicked off a month of fund-raisers and celebrations of the third anniversary of the opening of the thrift store on W. Arrow by dodging traffic on a hot summer day.

Volunteers from Lighthouse stood at the corners of Miami and Arrow and Odell and Yerby on Monday, July 2, during the busy morning, noon and evening hours asking for donations to help offset this year's federal and state funding cuts of nearly $30,000 from their budget.

Director Debbie Wallace says the funding cuts are in "general operating money, making it difficult to pay bills." Wallace continued, "Running a shelter is just like running a home, with grocery bills, utility bills, and so on." Many grants provide money, but severely restrict what the funds can be used for, making it harder to work within the guidelines.

And that means the shelter's staff has to come up with other ways to fill the void left by funding cuts. This year is the first time they've tried wading into the traffic at busy intersections, but Wallace said this first effort went well. She said people were very generous, first giving them pocket change, but then digging deeper for a five or ten dollar bill when they discovered what the money was for. And, she said, many of the donors expressed their thanks for the good work the shelter does. Wallace added that although the day was very warm, people's responses and comments were "very refreshing." More than $2,100 was collected.

Lighthouse staff looks for creative ways to raise funds, especially those that don't require a lot of "upfront" money. For the past eight years, they've used the "Mile of Money" campaign, selling a "mile" for $2, aiming at collecting a full mile and raising $10,560.

Wallace commented, "a dollar a mile isn't too much out of anybody's pocket -- a little bit of change adds up and it can change somebody's life."

Additional activities planned for the coming weeks include special sales at the Arrow St. thrift store on July 13 and 14.

On those days, "tornado chips" can be purchased for $3 per plate, and there will be free hot dogs, too, on the 14th.

On July 27, live "mannequins" will model clothes in the thrift shop window, soliciting donations from local businesses, friends and family, and selling the clothes they're wearing.

Each model stays in the window until $100 has been raised. Wallace hopes to have radio coverage of the event, but hasn't finalized plans yet.

On August 1, volunteers will serve a "quick pickup" lunch on the Marshall square.

For a donation of $5, diners in a hurry can have a plate of tornado chips, or a pork sandwich, or a "walking taco," and a drink.

Other events throughout the month are being planned in cooperation with local businesses.

On August 10, there will be a free celebration lunch at the new administrative office at 555 W. Arrow. The "Mile of Money" will be on display then, too.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at

marshallhealth@socket.net