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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Ohio Members and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please join The Cleveland Chapter and the Ohio Affiliate, as we participate with the Circle City Chapter in the Indiana Affiliate to participate in their Christmas Angel Gifting Program. All of the details are below and I hope to see Ohioans in the zoom room.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Suzanne <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>///<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><img width=166 height=98 style='width:1.7291in;height:1.0208in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DA24A1.5D67CFB0"></span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The Angel Child Gifting & Service Award Banquet, hosted by the National Federation of The Blind, Circle City Chapter of Indiana, was initially called “Angel Child,” and was launched in December of 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The chapter introduced the annual gifting effort with a fervent desire to give back to the community by assisting families struggling during the Holiday Season. Because many people generally view the blind community as those seeking a hand-out, on the contrary, many coping with blindness are willing and eager to extend a hand-up - therefore, the idea and concept rapidly gravitated within the Circle City Chapter, was voted on and promptly enacted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The initial Angel Child Gifting involved Chapter members gathering pre-selected families who had been predetermined as eligible to receive assistance. That criteria, previously determined by the Chapter Board and members, was, at least one family member had to be coping with blindness - parent or child and had to additionally have been eligible or receiv</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>ed<span style='color:black'> government assistance, TANF, SNAP, SSI, etc. The families were referred by chapter members and assisted through monetary donations/pledges from its members.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Families were contacted and food, toys, clothing and other necessities were purchased for them. Originally, two families were selected for assistance. Concerns arose however, when the effort of connecting with the families of agencies was halted, due to privacy policies and restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>In 2005, brainstorming brought on new hope - under the Presidency of Lee Martin, the Angel Child Gifting Banquet expanded to include four families. Moreover, new strategies were adopted and set forth. Instead of the purchasing of items, Visa gift cards were alternatively, awarded to gifting families. This idea supported the National Federation of The Blind Circle City Chapter’s mission and its initiative to ensure and promote individual independence. Recognizing need is not only confined to the blind or disabled community, the NFB Circle City Chapter extended its gifting to include all eligible families - sighted and blind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind Circle City Chapter believes that the structure of family is enhanced through the foundation of people strengthening people - my children, your children, family, hopeful and strong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>What began initially as a financial/family strengthening Christmas assistance program took on another plateau after the idea of hosting a banquet was included. The Angel Child Gifting Banquet evening is comprised of music/entertainment</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>, g<span style='color:black'>uest speakers, dinner with beverages, and the gifting of $250.00 to selected families. This annual event continues to evolve into the Angel Child Gifting and Service Award banquet which </span>recognizes<span style='color:black'> the dedication of individuals with 25 years of service in the field of blindness. These individuals are nominated by family, colleagues, peers and other agencies as one with caring, humble, outstanding, characteristics - going above and beyond what was required of their profession.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The Johnetta Harrington Spirit Award, was established for the everyday common good willed citizen who exemplified her humble giving and dedicated spirit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind, Circle City Chapter, believes that acknowledging those who have helped us along our journey is an essential bridge we build for others who might have to walk on that similar path.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The objective of the NFB Circle City Chapter of Indiana’s Angel Child Gifting & Service Award Banquet is to collectively enhance the lives of underserved families/children during the Holiday Season, strengthen the family structure and to recognize those who have contributed in our efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Community donors and contributors: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Indianapolis <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Artistic Awards<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Bosma Enterprises<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Greater Circle City Indiana Chapter of Drifters <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Indiana School for the Blind & </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Visually<span style='color:black'> Impaired<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Neighbors, Colleagues & Friends<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB Circle City Chapter <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB-Indiana Affiliate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB-Ohio Affiliate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The Global pandemic of 2020 has advanced our efforts to seek selected families throughout our state and provide the Angel Child gifting with their attendance on the zoom platform. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Our 2023 Angel Child program will be statewide and virtual for the third year and we are relishing the opportunity to serve as the need is as great as in previous years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The Angel Child program will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, 4:00p.m - 6:00p.m. using the Zoom platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CircleCityIndy/"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://www.facebook.com/CircleCityIndy/</span></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The Circle City Chapter is a 501c3<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Lee Martin - President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>317-709-7747<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>LEE C MARTIN (</span><a href="mailto:lches@sbcglobal.net"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>lches@sbcglobal.net</span></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Florence Myers-McSwine - Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>855-963-6476 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:florencemyersmcswine@gmail.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>florencemyersmcswine@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>; <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Enrique Alleyne <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>2<sup>nd</sup> Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Ray Montgomery <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Jessica Dalton- Treasurer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#26282A'>734 Drake St.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#26282A'>Indianapolis, IN 46202<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>317-937-2348<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:jessicadalton1987@gmail.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1155CC'>jessicadalton1987@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Cash APP: $Jdalton87<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>