Easter is almost here and there is still time to help your neighbors in need by donating food to the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund.
Volunteers will distribute food to low-income families in the Brandon School District this Monday. Much of the food was purchased by OCEF using donations from Sharin? o? the Green, the annual March drive in which donations of up to $2,000 are matched from a trust fund left to the non-profit organization by Roger Duval, who died in 2013. Duval was a local man who began Sharin? O? the Green in 2009, anonymously matching community donations every March in order to raise funds at a time of year when giving is typically down. This year, the need was greater than ever.
‘This is really the doldrum time,? said Margaret Lee, OCEF treasurer. ‘Everyone’s worried about paying their taxes and having to buy large quantities of food at the last minute is practically impossible.?
Donations to Sharin? O? the Green, including a very generous donation from the Masonic Lodge, met the match goal, and now OCEF will be able to provide food to about 150 families for Easter.
Food donations are always needed for the pantry and can be dropped off at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road, this weekend. Items needed include canned fruit; canned green beans, corn, potatoes/yams and other vegetables; canned soup; macaroni and cheese; Jell-O/pudding; cake mix; bread/muffin mix; frosting; and cereal. Gift cards to Bueche’s for the purchase of meat and fresh produce are also appreciated.
Volunteers are also welcome to help with the food sort on Sunday and distribution on Monday.
Some of OCEF’s youngest volunteers, the OCEF Junior Board, put together 125 Easter bags for clients on Wednesday. The bags included candy and games for children donated by the community.
‘They are a phenomenal group of kids, compassionate and caring and all about outreach,? said Karyn Milligan, food pantry director. ‘The kids wanted to make sure families with children have candy and little things for Easter baskets.?
Amanda Miner, 14, and Luke Miner, 12, siblings and Brandon Township residents, are members of the OCEF Junior Board, along with 10 other kids, ranging in age from 8 to 18.
‘We want to give back and help out people who need our help in the community,? said Amanda, who co-founded the OCEF Junior Board with Heidi Fluck two years ago. ‘We have monthly meetings, and do fundraisers like bake sales to raise money and food for the pantry.?
‘It’s a good cause, helps the community and gives you a good feeling in your heart? makes it flutter, so to speak,? added Luke.
The OCEF Junior Board is always accepting new members. To join or for more information, contact Amanda at me@amandaminer.com or call Karyn Milligan at 248-627-3965, ext. 103.