Publisher's Note:
Before we get in to ways to give back, we just want to give acknowledgement of a few things. We realize that not everyone may be in a spot where they can give back a lot this year and that is okay, and you are definitely not alone. There are many great resources available to help out this holiday season.
If you find yourself in need of help making sure Santa knows what your family needs this year, USPS has a great operation going on. Have your child mail their letter to Operation Santa no later than December 10th for it to be posted on the USPS adoption page.
If you need it, the address to Santa’s residence is
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
Someone will adopt your letter (please click here to sign up to read letters and adopt one!) *Please note there is no guarantee that the letter will be adopted, as this is all volunteer based, but the more awareness we raise, the more likely we'll have volunteers, so make sure to share!
If you find yourself in need of other assistance this season, again please know that you are not alone. Calling 211 is a great place to start to get the resources you need for this season of life. May everyone feel warmth and joy as we close out this year and start a new one!
Now, if you do find yourself in a great position to give this year, this is for you. I often find that the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is by making thanks and providing gifts to those who need it most.
Here is a list of 4 ways to give back locally in the Eaton Rapids area this year.
Fill Up a Food Pantry!
Do you have extra canned goods taking up space in your cupboards? Can you fill your shopping cart with an extra item or two before you check out? Every little bit helps! There is a food pantry on Main Street in front of Laura Delong Real Estate, near Miller Farm in front of Little Sprouts Daycare, and one by Hungry Howie's that also is filled with pet food supplies. If you would rather donate straight to the food bank, Heart and Hands Food Pantry will accept donations as well.
Purchase and Donate a Specific Item for Local Families
Local Business and retailers have come together with Community Christian Action Group to help provide food and warm gifts for families in need, and they need our help to make this happen. If you're someone who likes to be told exactly what to purchase and where to donate it, this is the giving back option for you! These are the items being collected for distribution, please stick to this list:
Canned fruit (store bought only)
Canned corn and green beans (store bought only)
Jell-o (any size)
Cake mix and frosting
Canned soup (store bought only)
Box of Bisquick
Box of stuffing
Box of cold cereal
Family sized box of instant potatoes
1 pound bag of individually wrapped candy
Warm gifts: mittens, gloves, hats, and socks for boys and girls (all sizes)
Any of the above items can be placed at a donation box at the following business by DECEMBER 10th- Ace Hardware, Eaton Community Bank, Eaton Rapids Medical Center, Edgewater Apartments, Glenn Buege Chevrolet, Independent Bank, Island City Assisted Living, LAFCU, Linda's Salon, Mr. M's, Ross & Associates and Your Creative Escape.
Make a Senior Citizen's Holiday Brighter
Adopt a Grandparent this holiday season! Local Community member Alisha Cole is collecting donations to provide gifts for our local elderly residents. A $10 donation will provide a wrapped gift for one grandparent that includes a pair of warm fuzzy socks and a mint bliss lotion. Alisha is doing the shopping and wrapping herself, and can be contacted for more details. The donated items will go to local homes for the elderly (Country Acres Adult Homes, Island City and Maplewood AFC). Alisha can be reached via email amcole325@gmail.com.
Donate Winter Clothing
Do you have items taking up space in your closet that might make someone else a little warmer this winter season? We went through and grabbed our snow pants that no longer fit my daughter and a couple of coats my husband and I no longer wear and put them on the rack in front of Smith-Kitsmiller Insurance this year. The rack usually stays up for most of the winter season, allowing you to put any gently worn hats, gloves, coats, boots and whatever else may keep someone else warm this year.
Donate household items to Mr. Dale's
Mr. Dale's on Main Street is holding their annual drive for SIREN, our local shelter who has had to turn away families due to lack of funding and supplies. If you have extra household goods, winter clothing, diaper, non-perishable food supplies, cleaning products, or just want to make a monetary donation, please do so by Christmas.
If you are an organization that would like to be included in this list, please contact me here. If you have an event you would like to add to our calendar, you can also email me or submit it here.
