Between seeing Christmas lights, buying and wrapping presents, sending cards, and making holiday treats it can be way too easy to overlook those in need in our community. Thankfully, there are many organizations who work tirelessly to learn and meet the needs of the most at risk members of our community. Some organizations run special holiday giving campaigns, like Toys for Tots, but since many are wrapping up or very apparent (such as Salvation Army) as you walk into stores, I’m here to share a few other ways to give in Northern Michigan. All of these programs serve our community year-round in one or multiple capacities.

Child and Family Services – Paper Angels Program

Each year Child and Family Services helps the community ensure over 700 kids in need receive Christmas gifts through the Paper Angels Program. They need the support of families who can commit to spending between $100 – $125 per child for older kids and purchase the items on the child’s wish list. The drop-off deadline for 2018 is December 8th, but you can always donate to help fill the remaining lists.

GoodWill Homeless Outreach Programs

GoodWill serves the homeless people in our community in many ways. Ryan Hannon, Street Outreach Coordinator, said these are the best ways to help, “Donations to help run the program to help workers help families and their homelessness. Physical needs include diapers and wipes for the diaper pantry, baby formula. Grocery specific gift cards for when families move into housing. Gas only gift cards. BATA bus passes.” Here’s more information on the homeless outreach programs through GoodWill. Follow Ryan on Instagram to get a better picture of what homelessness looks like in our community.

Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) in Suttons Bay

LIft is a teen center in Suttons Bay that hosts an after school program that provides a safe place and hot meal for students from seventh grade through twelfth grade. They host weekly activities and programs that teach leadership qualities and offer support that they cannot get at home.

Donate to LIFT >> | Learn more about LIFT in Suttons Bay

Pregnancy Care Center

The Pregnancy Care Center in Traverse City serves many families who are abortion vulnerable women and men and blesses them through countless donations and incredible community support. Here are the current needs, keeping in mind they only accept NEW clothing!

Diapers, sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 and pull-ups of any size (but especially 4-6T)

Wipes (Hypoallergenic is preferred)

Baby Powder, Baby Wash, lotion and diaper cream

Clothing: 0-6 months long sleeve (especially girl clothes)

Clothing: 9 month boy and girl – long sleeves

Clothing: 12-18 month boy and girl – especially long sleeves

Clothing: 2T-4T clothes

Bottles, pacifiers and girly toys You are also welcome to make a donation to the Pregnancy Care Center that goes toward covering the costs of pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, which are 100% free to patients. Single Momm Ministries Their monthly night out for single moms is Saturday, December 8th and they shower the moms and their kids with presents. You can still give, but you can ALWAYS donate online to Single MOMM to help further these amazing programs that have empowered single moms in our community. Chances are you know at least a handful of single moms, but you may not know their story. You can still help by donating and knowing that you are helping change the lives of them and their kids. S.T.E.P. Program through TCAPS Did you know that each high school in our community has a program that helps homeless students and families in need? It’s called the Students in Transition Empowerment Program and it serves 500 students from age 0 years – 20 years. After speaking with one of the STEP coordinators, I am amazed at the lengths they go to ensure the most vulnerable students in our community have a transportation to school, school supplies, clothing, food, and other basic needs that greatly impacts their learning. There are food and clothing pantries located at all three high schools in Traverse City, including TC West Senior High, TC Central High School, and Traverse City High School. Besides donating food and clothing, the STEP coordinators often give gift cards families and students in need. This allows the STEP coordinators to give to families as their situations change quickly. One example of a student in transition, is a student sleeping on a couch or in a friend’s home because of an unsafe living situation at home. “STEP can help provide students with resources to promote success.” What an amazing program that sees students in unthinkable situations and walks along side them. You can drop donations off at each school during normal hours or contact one of the STEP coordinators for specific instructions.

UHC Fire Fighters for Families

UHC Fire Fighters for Families is a group of firefighters who are Christians in Mason County who are working to meet the needs of those in need in their own community. Besides serving in one of the most devastating time a family can go through, these firefighters want to do more. Right now they are taking donations to ensure the families in Mason County will all have a Christmas dinner. Donate to this awesome cause!

With Open Arms in Kalkaska

If you or your kids need winter gear in Kalkaska, many people in the area will send you to With Open Arms. A local mom saw the need and started the program nine years ago, which continues to operate out of her garage. The program is always in need of warm, waterproof gloves as well as winter boots of any sizes. Toddlers to Adults. One of the biggest needs is larger sized snow pants. She needs 2t, 3t, 7/8 in both boys and girls, 10/12 snow pants in boys and ANY adult sizes the community may come across. You can contact With Open Arms on Facebook and also ask for information on how to donate directly to the banking account specifically for the cause.

What other organizations or charities do you love to support in Northern Michigan? Contact Elise at The Cherry Life with details!