With the holidays fast approaching, several area agencies and businesses are asking for help to make sure the holidays are bright for those who might not otherwise have a holiday.
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The Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging will accept donations through Dec. 12 for its 10th annual "Baskets of Bounty Program" for low-income senior citizens in Grand Traverse County.
The baskets are given to seniors in the county who are alone or not always remembered during the holiday season. Contents include items such as non-perishable food, toiletries, household cleaners, new clothing and handmade quilts crafted by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
In 2006, through generous donations of both funding and non-perishable items, the commission on aging was able to provide baskets for more than 60 seniors in Grand Traverse County.
Donations can be delivered or mailed to the commission on aging office, 520 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Anyone who knows a senior living in Grand Traverse County who could benefit from a "Basket of Bounty," can call the commission on aging at 922-4688 or toll-free at (877) 686-4688.
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Donors are urgently needed for the Women's Resource Center's Holiday Needs Program.
The WRC provides toys, clothing and food to its current clients who are in need and the community's assistance is crucial to help make the holidays special for these families.
In addition to adopting a family, gift cards are another way to help and are welcomed by those who come into WRC programs just before the holidays.
Businesses, organizations, families or individuals interested in adopting a family for the holiday season should call Jody Smith at the WRC, 941-1210, and a donor form will be mailed.
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Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted through Nov. 17 at Citifinancial's Traverse City office, 1047 S. Airport Road.
The food drive will benefit the Father Fred Foundation and donations can be dropped off at the business from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
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Hillsdale City Manager Michael D. Mitchell wrote to publicly thank Marathon Automotive and its personnel for helping him when he was in Traverse City and Acme for the Michigan Municipal League Conference.
Mitchell arrived in town after driving from the southern border of Michigan and discovered that his muffler bracket had broken and that he was driving with a muffler and exhaust system just a few inches off the ground.
"As I was not from the area, I asked around for help late in the afternoon," Mitchell wrote. "The good people of Traverse City told me that Marathon Automotive might be able to help me even though it was 4:30 p.m. I got directions and when I arrived, the employees ... got my situation fixed so that I could enjoy the conference and make it home safely.
"Great service and a willingness to help a stranger at the end of the day showed the character of Marathon Automotive in Traverse City and of the people who live and work there. Thank you again for turning my experience to a great one. I am very grateful to you for making my stay in the area seem like I never left home ..."
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A new philanthropic group has been formed at The Club at LochenHeath to support various worthwhile causes in the area.
This new committee, the LochenHeath Community Foundation, held its first fund-raiser to benefit Munson Medical Center's new Breast Health Center. LochenHeath members Pam and Al Ruggierello suggested inviting members, staff and friends for an evening of good food, music and fun and 75 people responded to the "Let's Chip In" event and raised more than $12,000 for the center.
The Foundation is very grateful to LochenHeath for providing the setting, and Executive Chef Joseph George and his staff who volunteered their time and talents to provide wonderful hors d'oeuvres. The musicians of Three Hour Tour added to the ambiance created by Fischer Design, BBJ Linen and Premier Floral Design, and the Foundation thanks them all.
Special thanks also go to American Rentals, Molon Excavating, Big Rapids Products, Gourdie-Fraser Inc., R Clark Associates Inc., Karen Schmidt with Coldwell Banker, H. Cox & Son Inc., Integrity Business Solutions, the Copy Shop and Traverse Repro for their generous support.
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Barbara Schimp wrote to say that she finds it refreshing to know that there still are kind people in the world and to send her special thanks to the very kind lady at Meijer who helped her load her groceries into the trunk of her car during a rain storm.
"I was having trouble keeping the cart from rolling away and she came right over to hold the cart while I put the groceries in the trunk," Barbara wrote. "You don't find many people willing to get soaked in the rain to help someone else. I will try to forward the kindness to someone else if I can. Thanks again."
Items for this column may be sent to Northern Notes, Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685-0632; e-mail sbeach@record-eagle.com.
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