Maakestad performance to benefit Samaritan Well in Macomb

MACOMB — Bill Maakestad will perform at The Wine Sellers in Macomb from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and making a donation of his tips to Samaritan Well.

Maakestad is a retired Western Illinois University professor, long-time community activist, and musician. In the past he has donated to Genesis Garden, a family homeless shelter separate from Samaritan Well.

Samaritan Well provides temporary transitional housing for homeless in the Macomb area. It will use the donations to buy furnishings for the men's shelter.

“This is the first time Samaritan Well has had this done for us,” Amber Clark, Director of Samaritan Well said.

Samaritan Well's main fundraiser is during Heritage Days at the John Bliven Walk/Run. The event also coincides with giving a donation on behalf of the Bliven Family to St. Jude's.

Clark said Samaritan Well takes donations at any time. People can mail them to: 1306 Maple Ave., Macomb. This is their main office, also where the women's homeless shelter is held. Hygeine, cleaning and basic household items can be dropped off during hours of 8 a.m to 4 p.m. after calling the main office at: 309-837-3357.

Samaritan Well does not have space to store extra furniture or extra household donated items.

“If it's something we immediately need, we can use it, but we do not take excess for people to use when they leave. At certain times we may ask on our FaceBook page for specific donations. Otherwise we try to furnish the other things the best we can through donated funds,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Performance to benefit Samaritan Well, homeless shelter, in Macomb