By Jim Newell
Managing Editor
OXFORD — The Oxford Free Meals volunteers will be out on the streets in downtown Oxford on Thursday and Friday selling copies of The Oxford Leader and The County Press to raise funds for the program.
Look for the volunteers from noon to 6 p.m. on the corners of Burdick Street and M-24. Last year, the Free Meals volunteers collected more than $1,100 in donations from caring Oxford residents, said Connie Miller, head of Free Meals.
“The funds our all-volunteer team raise while selling papers in downtown Oxford will help stock our pantry and provide additional assistance to families who need additional support to see them through difficult times,” Miller said. “The Free Meals Team relies on the community and local businesses for support. The support provided by the View Newspaper Group last year helped to continue an Oxford tradition and we are so very grateful. We truly are neighbors helping neighbors, and with support from our community partners, we’ll be here continuing that promise.”
The Free Meals program typically serves 100-150 meals each Wednesday to those in need by providing a hot meal in a takeout container and groceries – milk, bread, eggs, fresh produce, pantry goods and odds and ends – at the drive through distribution from 4:30-6 p.m. at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.
Guests to the program are largely from Oxford, Addison and Orion townships, but there are no residency requirements to receive assistance.
“We’re unique. We don’t ask questions of people. We’re pretty familiar with who is coming each week but we also have new people every week,” Miller said. “It’s really just the community giving to the community. It’s just your neighbors helping you out. And we really need to keep it going.”
The all-volunteer program is funded solely by grants and donations, including grants the past four years from the Four County Community Foundation.
However, grants do not cover the program’s entire annual budget, so Free Meals relies on donations and partnerships with area businesses and community groups as well. 42 Strong – The Tate Myre Foundation volunteers recently donated a minivan full of goods collected by Oxford High School students.
Free Meals is an independent program, but has a partnership with Immanuel Church, which houses the food pantry and serves as a distribution location.
To donate to the Free Meals program, contact Connie Miller at 248-933-4579 or Immanuel Congregational Church at 248-628-1610. Mail donations to Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, 1 Hovey St., Oxford, MI 48371 with Free Meals in the memo line of checks.