Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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Good News Come to Antigo

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The Good News Project was founded in 1983 by Chuck and Peggy McCarthy. The couple initiated a handful of volunteers that began traveling to the islands each January, at their own expense to offer their talents to the poor. Efforts are concentrated in the island nations of St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Vincent. Good News' volunteers come from thirty-eight states and eight foreign countries to assist.

Together, the volunteers have built a library, an orphanage, and over 358 small 12x16’ houses during the thirty-two year history of the group. Homes cost approximately $4600 each to build and are completed by the volunteers in about 3 days. 2014 brought a large expansion of services as 107 volunteers traveled to offer assistance this January, February, June, and November to a population where the average annual income is only $6-10,000 per year. Additionally, the group led their first U.S. based trip to the Winnebago and Omaha Reservations in Nebraska last year.

Good News Volunteers provide supportive services including eye surgery and dental care to schools for developmentally challenged individuals and delinquent youth. These services are also provided in prisons and senior centers. The group runs a health equipment lending program to the island nations. Care packages containing medical and school supplies are shipped regularly at no cost to the charity using a US Air Force training program for transport.

To continue to offer services and support, the group has organized an Electronics Recycling event with AVAIL, Inc. Together, the groups will recycle used electronics, televisions, and computers to raise funds supporting needs in Langlade County and abroad. In 2014, Langlade County recycled over 30,000 pounds of discarded electronics and hopes are high for a good turn out this year. The drive will run on Friday, May 8th from 11-4pm and on Saturday, May 9th from 9am to noon in the Multi-purpose Building at the Langlade County Fairgrounds. The public can join the efforts by recycling their equipment at a cost of 40 cents per pound. All proceeds beyond the cost of the recycling benefit the non-profit groups. The average computer weighs approximately 40-60 pounds and would cost approximately $16-24 to recycle. Businesses can call ahead for an appointment time for Friday morning. Limited pick up service is available by appointment. For more information about Good News or the recycling event, please contact Michelle Arrowood at 715.623.5177.

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