Brandon Twp.- Month after month, Judy Henley watches the number of people requesting help feeding their families increase.
In August, about 80 families visited the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund’s food pantry. In September, that number jumped to 110. By the end of last month, it was up to 124 families.
‘Each month is the most ever,? sighs Henley, food pantry director. ‘We keep breaking records.’Some of those seeking assistance have had their work hours cut. Others struggle as the price of groceries increases. Henley knows of one single parent who seems to manage until the holidays and then needs help. The woman registered for Thanksgiving and Christmas help recently, and returned a week later to tell Henley she was laid off after working at her company for 10 years.
The increase of families needing help strains the resources of OCEF.
‘We’re struggling,? Henley said. ‘We talk about balancing, making sure we can order enough food and keep going month to month. But people in this community are generous. It’s amazing to still be doing what we’re doing.?
Henley hopes the community will come together again this holiday season to help OCEF in their mission of helping local families in need at the holidays. As of Oct. 28, OCEF had registered 130 low-income families in the area for Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions. This season, the primary goal of OCEF is to not turn away anyone in need. In the past, clients were able to request two gift items for adults. This year, because of more families needing help, anyone 19 and older will receive one gift. Those 18 and under will receive two gifts.
‘Hopefully, this will allow us to help more families with kids,? Henley said. ‘Will donations be down? We won’t know until the last minute. We’re holding our own in spite of the economy.?
OCEF will participate in Christmas in the Village on Dec. 6 this year, with an antique truck in the parade that they hope to fill with food.
Donations of food, detergent, and personal hygiene items to OCEF are always welcome? boxes are located at area businesses around Thanksgiving and a box is always at Bueche’s, 400 Ortonville Road. Donations can also be dropped off at local churches, including St. Anne, 825 S. Ortonville Road.
Volunteers are also needed, particularly for a Thanksgiving food sort on Nov. 23. For more information, contact Judy Henley at 248-627-3965, ext. 103.
IN BOX:
Needed items (return by noon Nov. 23 for Thanksgiving distribution):
Canned corn, green beans, yams, spaghetti sauce, Dream Whip, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, tuna, canned turkey gravy, canned pasta, boxed crackers or cookies, muffin/quick bread mix, two pie crust mixes, canned pumpkin, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter, jelly (no grape), boxed stuffing mix, Jell-O, pudding, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, boxed macaroni and cheese, evaporated milk, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, $15 Bueche’s gift card for turkey or ham.