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By Jamie Sotonoff
Daily Herald Staff Writer
December 24, 1997

    Bartlett resident donna Hinrichs was listening to the radio when Jonathon Brandmeier started making fun of adults who write letters to Santa Claus.

    She called the show to complain, and was put on the air.

    Hinrichs ( the lowercase "d" is correct ) told Brandmeier many of these adults have very sad stories, and mentioned she and a few friends had started answering some of these letters.

    Surprisingly, the response to her 20 minute call to WLUP FM-97.9 was overwhelming. In a matter of days, Hinrichs received hundreds of letters from people who wanted to help her.

    What resulted was the creation of a non-profit group called Clause & Effect. The Bartlett based group has helped 40,000 needy people since it started in 1982.

    It began with Hinrichs going down to the post office and picking up letters to Santa. She later learned mostof these letters were scams, and many of the people lied about their neediness.

    To make sure her efforts were well directed, Hinrichs began contacting at-risk schools, day-care centers, senior citizen facilities and other groups that don't normally receive charity during the holidays.

    She focused on areas in Chicago, Aurora, Crystal Lake and the south suburbs. This year she worked with ahospice group.

    Hinrichs asked teachers and program directors at those places to recommend people in need and to have themwrite letters to Clause & Effect saying what they need.

    Hinrichs then matches up volunteers with needy people. The volunteers purchase the requested items, and either send or deliver the gifts in person.

    Some volunteers deliver their gifts on Christmas day, and some dress as Santa.

    "The stories are unbelievable," Hinrichs said. "It's not just the toys and the clothes. It's the connection they make with these families...  a lot of time, they keep in touch for years after."

    This year alone Clause & Effect assisted nearly 100 families in Chicagoland.

    "This is my small way of helping needy people and it's fun," Hinrichs said. "It's why we're on the planet."

    Volunteers are already being lined up for next Christmas. To participate, write to
Clause & Effect
P.O. Box 8121,
Bartlett, Il 60103, and include a Self-addressed stamped envelope and your gift budget.