KIDS HELPING KIDS
Youth collect donations for foster kids
Waterford youth collected duffel bags and donations for the Oakland County Foster Closet in Farmington Hills and the Whaley Children’s Center in Flint.
They are members of the Elias Cady Society Children of the American Revolution in Waterford, and they took part in Michigan Society Children of the American Revolution’s “Kids Helping Kids Committee.” Their committee project was called “Fostering Duffel Bags of Hope.”
State Chair Rodney Modell encouraged them to contact local foster closets or facilities to find out what the foster kids needed. They posted the wish lists on their Elias Cady Society Facebook page and reached out to supporting Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters including Sashabaw Plains, Stoney Creek and Lydia Barnes Potter.
The Elias Cady Society received many donations including some from the Fort Dearborn Society Kids. Donations included baby hygiene products, underwear, bikes, strollers, backpacks, clothing, shoes, boots, sporting items and money, presented to the organizations to fulfill their immediate needs.
Senior Treasurer Deb Rakoczy picked up the donated items from porches, curbsides and driveways around Oakland County. Society Historian Nancy Flasck and Senior President Linda Royse delivered them to the donation facilities in Farmington Hills and Flint.
“It was indeed an honor to see such wonderful friendly greetings from the Oakland County Foster Closet and the Whaley Children’s Center,” said Royse.
To learn more about the Oakland County Foster Closet, visit www.facebook.com/OaklandCountyFosterCloset or www.ocfostercloset.org. To learn more about the Whaley Children’s Center, visit www.facebook.com/WhaleyChildren.
For more information about the Elias Cady Society, visit www.facebook.com/eliascadysociety or www.carmichigan.org, or email Royse at lindairvinghatton@gmail.com.
• Miracle Quilts needs help: The nonprofit Miracle Quilts needs help seeking grants to fund their projects since their fundraisers were cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Funding is needed to continue to create patriotic quilts for troops. Miracle Quilts founder Carole Carroll said, “This is a great opportunity for a high school student to fulfill community service hours. Since Miracle Quilts is a nonprofit, a letter on their behalf to report their time spent would be written.” To help, call 248-321-8669.
• Veterans COVID-19Emergency Financial Relief Program: Oakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for up to $2,500in assistance through the Veterans COVID-19Emergency Financial Relief Program. A total of $182,000is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500per person, including food assistance, which has a $150limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. To apply, visit www.oakgov.com/ covid/grants or call 248-858-0785for assistance.
• Career Fair: The Disabled Veterans of America hosts a National Virtual Career Fair from noon to 4p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. This online recruiting event is open to all U.S. military job seekers and spouses. For more information and to register, visit www.dav.org/veterans/employment-resources.
• Opportunities for veteran-owned businesses: The National Veteran Business Development Council, based in Detroit, welcomes Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. as its newest corporate member. The council is the leading Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by veterans for veterans. Many lucrative business opportunities are available to veteran-owned businesses through the supplier diversity programs offered at many corporations and government agencies. For more information about its programs and members, visit nvbdc.org.
• Fish Fry: Oxford American Legion Post 108hosts a carry-out only Friday fish fry from noon to 8p.m. Feb. 12, 130E. Drahner Road. Cost is $9to $11for a variety of fish and chicken dinner choices. For more information, call 248-628-9081.
• Raffle drawing: Farmington Groves-Walker American Legion
Post 346hosts a Queen of Hearts Progressive Raffle drawing at 7:15p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, on the back patio, at 31775Grand River Avenue, with a light dinner from 5to 7p.m. There will be heated tents, and bathrooms will be open. Raffle tickets are only $1by emailing 346Queen@gmail.com or calling 248-478-9174. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/www.americanlegionpost346.org.
The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.