If you would like to take a shot at ending hunger for local children in need this summer, Wings for Women has a fundraiser just for you.
The local nonprofit will stage its second Women Who Whiskey (And Men, Too!) at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the Hillman Historic Mansion, 544 S. Sixth Ave.
All proceeds benefit the Wings for Women No Hungry Kids Program, which will provide meals for about 300 children who typically receive free breakfast and lunch at their schools and lack food resources during school breaks. For the fourth consecutive year, No Hungry Kids will supply nonperishable foods for the children for eight weeks during the summer.
“These kids really need this food. Their parents can barely make it during school as it is, and they don’t have the money to buy extra food for their kids in the summer when they are home from school,” said Nadia Valle, founder of Wings for Women, which seeks to provide a safe and positive environment for homeless and impoverished women and their children.
Since 2010, Wings for Women has helped homeless women and women with substance abuse issues, utilizing a three-stage program to attack poverty, domestic violence, unemployment, mental illness and other root causes of homelessness.
This year, it will assist about 250 women and 500 children with basic needs, life skills development, case management, education, job training, housing searches and other issues to help them lead productive lives. It offers many services — including food and clothing pantries, and supplies of diapers, formula, household items and other basic necessities — through the Wings for Women Center at 4650 E. Eastland St.
Valle said the organization is invaluable for women trying to get back on their feet.
“We help women who are working and barely making it from week to week, but may make too much money to receive other assistance.”