The Ortonville Community Emergency Fund could use some extra help for Easter.
The food pantry that serves families in need in the Brandon School District is expecting to assist 200 families with Easter dinners and some candy for children this year. However, with many of the regular OCEF volunteers away for the winter, this time of year presents an extra challenge.
‘A lot of our snowbirds are not back and people are gone for the Easter holiday,? said OCEF President Karyn Thompson. ‘This community never, ever, ever lets us down. If you would like to come and join us, we’d be thrilled to have you.?
Volunteers are needed for the Easter food sort, April 1, as well as the food distribution, April 2. Donations of food, $15 Bueche’s gift cards and other items are also sought. The OCEF wish list includes: cake mix; frosting; bagged candy; cereal; egg dye kits; canned fruit; Jell-O/pudding; peanut butter; jelly; boxed macaroni and cheese; muffin/quick bread mix; canned soup; tuna; canned vegetables; paper towels; and toilet paper.
Donated items can be dropped off at the food box at Bueche’s Food World, 400 N. Ortonville Road, or at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. The deadline for making Easter donations is noon, April 1. Food will be sorted by volunteers beginning at 1 p.m., April 1 and packing of orders for families begins at 8 a.m. April 2.
‘Thank you for donating food to many families in our community who struggle with providing meals for their household,? said Food Pantry Director Gwen Koss. ‘Your donations help others to celebrate Easter with a wonderful meal!?
To volunteer, contact Karyn Thompson by e-mail at karynmil@comcast.net or call 248-627-3965, ext. 103.