New Hammond group has plenty of heart

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A group of about 10 Hammond residents is trying to make a difference in their community.

Sparked by the desire to help a Hammond family in need after they lost their home in a fire in March, the group decided there was a need for an established volunteer group in the community.

They named their volunteer group the Hearts of Hammond.

Hearts of Hammond Director Brenda Monroe said the group raised more than $3,000 to support the Olson family, because “no one should feel alone when facing a major event like that.”

Monroe said the organization’s concept is simple: “We are a volunteer group of Hammond residents that are willing to offer our time and talents to our community when a need is identified. We want to get back to the basics of relying on each other for help when and if it’s needed.”

She said Hearts of Hammond is different from other local charity organizations because they are making themselves available to everyone in the community and St. Croix Central School District and not limiting themselves to large projects or fundraisers.

“Just let us know where the need is and we’ll engage our talent pool to try to meet that need,” she said.

Monroe said there is a need for resident-run volunteer groups.

“There is a need in any community for some form of outreach. If you can’t rely on your neighbors, you are isolating yourself,” she said. “Our society inherently is moving in that direction — particularly in these bedroom communities. We make our community better just by having the ability to lean on one another from time to time.”

Monroe said the group wants to bring back a sense of community among neighbors.

“Our goal is not to solve problems per se, just to add value to living in this small town. If we have the ability to lend a helping hand to someone that needs it, why wouldn’t we?” she asked. “We all have times where we could use some help with things. We want to make it easier during those times. We’re not looking to replace or compete with other groups, rather to add to efforts.”

Monroe said the group is proof that there are a lot of caring people living in Hammond who are willing to “pay it forward.”

Anyone is welcome to become a member of or request assistance from the Hearts of Hammond.

There is a Hearts of Hammond Facebook page, and inquiries can also be emailed to heartsofha mmond@gmail.com.

The group is currently working to receive a non-profit status.

To cover the start-up expenses the group has planned a Family Night Out fundraiser at the Hammond Community Park Pavilion on Thursday, May 17, from 5-8 p.m.

The event will feature food, carnival games and more, with everything priced at about $1 each.

Monroe hopes residents come out for a night of fun and to get to know their neighbors and learn more about the Hearts of Hammond.

Tags: communities, wisconsin, hammond