Foundations for Living receives donation

By Holly Neumann

As part of the Iola Winter Carnival, princesses Cameron Harbridge, Ella Gullixon, Tara Thompson, Lydia Johnsrud and Morgan Anderson – along with help from local artist Mike Harbridge – participated in the festival’s ice sculpting competition.

Their sculpture of a snowflake highlighted with blue coloring earned them a third-place finish and a $75 prize which was donated to Foundations for Living in Waupaca.

Foundations for Living is a nonprofit faith-based organization that helps people in crisis.

“We have several people in the front office that work with a variety of clients in need of different things during a crisis situation in their lives,” said Jane Thompson, who works at the facility. “We work with the Salvation Army to provide some of those needs, like housing assistance, utility assistance, gas cards for medical visits, food cards and much more.”

They also offer a warming shelter which can house up to seven men a night.

“If we have women, then there are local churches that will take them in or we take them to neighboring community shelters,” Thompson said.

The organization’s thrift shop is open to the general public, but also gives clothing and household goods to those in need through a voucher system.

A food pantry and a hygiene closet is also available to those in need.

“We have awesome services to offer,” Thompson said. “We greatly appreciate the donation.”