Wow. Got this email. Can’t find anything about in the online version of the Milwaukee paper. We’ll wait to see if they cover it in tomorrow’s edition to start complaining. But with or without coverage, here’s a place that can use your help:

If you could help pass this information along, it would be greatly appreciated. My mom, Mary Gilpin, is the director. Thanks & God bless. Ellen Schlosser

On the evening of September 13, 2005, the Pregnancy Help Center of Milwaukee burned to the ground. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Regardless of the fire’s source, this small but important institution will not be able to function for some time. I am writing to request, on its behalf, thoughts, prayers and support.

For some twenty years, the Pregnancy Help Center has provided counselling and health services, food, clothing and baby materials for pregnant women otherwise ignored by society or informed that their unborn children are unsupportable and therefore unwanted. The Center is located in a poorer district of the city and its clientele is predominantly African-American women and new immigrants. Often having to deal with abuse, neglect and poverty in their homes, these women and their children have relied upon the Center for all manner of support and guidance.

Mary Gilpin, its director, has essentially made the Center her life’s work and would take comfort in your thoughts and prayers, as would the many women and children who turn to it for help. With much attention rightly focused on the victims of Hurricane Katrina these days, rebuilding this chronically under-funded center will prove even more difficult. In addition then to your thoughts and prayers, I ask you to consider making a donation to the Center in hopes of a speedy reconstruction and return to its necessary work.

Donations can be sent to “The Pregnancy Help Center of Milwaukee”, P.O. Box 1074, Brookfield, WI, 53008-1074

I’m going to try to keep abreast of this situation, and I’ll keep you informed.