Brandon Twp.- Historically, charitable donations increase more around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but one local charity is hoping residents remember the need is also great at Easter, as well as year-round.
‘At Easter, it’s hard to get the food we need, because our snowbirds are still gone,? said Ortonville Community Emergency Fund President Karyn Milligan-Thompson. ‘The need is absolutely still there. It’s also hard to get enough volunteers to work the distribution and a lot of people are gone on their spring break vacation.?
OCEF is the community food pantry and is open to township residents in need every month. This month, OCEF will help more than 200 families by providing them with food items for Easter dinner, as well as $15 Bueche’s gift cards so families can select their own meat.
OCEF is seeking help from the community in filling bags with food for the Easter distribution, planned for April 17 and 18. Donations of food and gift cards are needed, as well as volunteers for the food sort and distribution.
Food items needed include: cake mix, candy, cereal, egg dye, frosting, canned fruit, Jell-O/pudding, jelly, macaroni and cheese, muffin/quick bread mix, peanut butter, canned soup, tuna, and canned vegetables including corn, green beans, peas, and mixed vegetables. Paper towels and toilet paper are also needed.
‘Thank you for donating food to many families in our community who struggle with providing meals,? said Food Pantry Director Gwen Koss.
‘Your donations help others to celebrate Easter with a wonderful meal! Through your efforts you extend the love of God to all of our sisters and brothers in Christ.?
Food donations may be dropped off by noon April 17 at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. For more information on making a donation or volunteering for the food sort or distribution, call 248-627-3965 or e-mail Karyn Milligan-Thompson at
karynmil@comcast.net.