By Gari Voss
As 2022 comes to a close and 2023 appears to open with countless possibilities, individuals have the opportunity to answer calls of need and offer assistance where each heart leads. Mailboxes are loaded with pleas for contributions from national and state organizations related to health, medical research, law enforcement, and the list goes on. But will those dollars impact local needs?
The place to look for making those charitable contributions may be right in your own backyard.
Allegan County has numerous non-profit organizations that operate on monetary donations made by local individuals. For those who wish to contribute 2022 income to local needs, the following groups may be considered:
Local church outreach: whether food, clothes, baby layettes or diapers, or other needs in county responses.
Wings of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care or Wings Home: These organizations provide services for those who are in later stages of life, have extenuating health needs, have reached end-of-life, or require support through grief experiences. Log on to https://wingsofhopehospice.com/ or https://www.wingshome.org/, or make a cash donation to Wings of Hope Hospice or Wings Home, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.
Tree of Life: Another health opportunity is the Ascension Borgess Tree of Love Campaign. This fund provides mammograms and some follow-up for breast cancer that are done at the Allegan hospital. Contact Foundation Director Jennifer Garcia, Ascension Borgess Allegan, 269-686-4234.
Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF): Contributions can be made for immediate use or legacy endowments. ACCF has a myriad of possibilities from scholarships to specific programs to grants administered by ACCF. Learn more about ACCF at https://alleganfoundation.org/, or contact Corporate and Donor Engagement Officer Sara Ruiter or Executive Director Stephanie Calhoun at 269.673.8344 to learn more about making a donation or establishing a fund.
Sylvia’s Place: Emergency is too often required for women and children in abusive situations. For more information on the services and donating go to https://sylviasplace.com/.
Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center: Safe Harbor meets the needs of children who have been dealing with abuse and/or neglect. Along with assistance for day-to-day expenses, Safe Harbor has a capital campaign to complete their new facility. For more information on its work and donating, go to https://safeharborcac.org/.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy: For those who love the outdoors, a donation can be made to the Conservancy and specified for a certain project like the Armintrout / Milbocker Nature Preserve in Allegan, Paw Paw River Watershed, or other Allegan area projects. Learn more about the Conservancy and local projects by calling 269-324-1600 or email conserveland@swmlc.org.
Camping for Kids: Winter and summer camps in the area require maintenance and scholarship funds. A couple to check out are: Camp Kidwell on Eagle Lake, learn more at https://www.campkidwell.org/ or contact KJ Kelly at campkidwell@campkidwell.org. Camp Beechpoint learn more at https://beechpoint.org/ or call (269) 673-6155.
The Congregational Kitchen and Warehouse: The kitchen offers free take-out meals and hosts the BackPack program. Learn more about the programs and donating at http://fccofallegan.weebly.com/congregational-kitchen.html or https://www.facebook.com/CongregationalKitchen/.
Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative: There are numerous food pantries around the county. Learn more about the pantries and donating at https://alleganfoundation.org/allegan-county-food-pantry-collaborative/ or call 269.673.8344. These are under the auspice of the Allegan County Community Foundation.
Delightful Gatherings: The program moved from the First Presbyterian Church to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in October. Funds are used for needed materials and equipment along with other costs to feed those who come on Tuesdays for lunch or take lunch home. Donations can be made to Delightful Gatherings, c/o Good Shepherd Church, 101 N. Walnut St., Allegan, MI 49010.
Beautify Pullman: The non-profit organization has been completing projects to increase community involvement and pride. More information on projects and donating is available at https://www.beautifypullman.org/.
Local Schools: Contact your local school for information on the activities and needs. Examples: Allegan High School is collecting donations for their post-prom activities. Call 269 673-7002 for more information. Wayland Union Bee Club is seeking donations to support their Bee a Good Neighbor program. Contact Pat Velie at veliep@waylandunion.org for additional information.
Allegan Arts Council: The arts across Allegan County are growing. For more information go to https://www.alleganarts.com/. Donations can be made for projects, programs or scholarships.
These are just some of the possible programs that thrive because of generous contributors. Each addresses local needs and opportunities. This is the time to make 2022 contributions that truly make a difference in one’s own backyard.