Brandon Twp.-Crayons, pencils, paper and backpacks–just a few of the items filling stores in preparation for back to school.
The Ortonville Community Emergency Fund (OCEF) hopes those items will find their way to the OCEF pantry so needy families can have new supplies, too.
OCEF is currently collecting supplies for low-income families in the Brandon School District in a back-to-school drive.
‘The Ortonville community always comes through and takes care of our own,? said Sue Howard, OCEF board member. ‘When people are looking for items for their kids, if they could just pick up one or two items for OCEF, that would be great? very helpful.?
Howard says this year has been especially difficult because of government funding cuts and the loss of some grant funds for the organization.
Judy Henley, OCEF food pantry coordinator notes they are seeing many more people come to the food pantry for assistance right now than at the same time last year and believes it is due to lay-offs and the working poor.
‘School supplies are extra after they pay their bills,? she said. ‘I see people with medical bills that makes it difficult to purchase school suplies or gas. Those things become luxury items.?
OCEF needs items such as crayons, markers, pencils, colored pencils, rulers, paper, notebooks, folders, glue, backpacks, socks and Payless shoe store gift cards. They also appreciate snacks for children’s lunches, personal care items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste and laundry detergent, which is in short supply. Cash donations are always welcome.
Items can be dropped off at St. Anne Catholic Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road, or at any local church. Checks may be sent to OCEF, P.O. Box 282, Ortonville, Mich. 48462.
For more information or to request help, call Judy Henley at (248) 627-3965, ext. 103.