Local Service Clubs Spread Holiday Cheer for Pets and Families

The holiday season is marked by generosity and community spirit in Macomb County, where service clubs are making significant contributions to both pets and families in need. Various initiatives from local organizations have created an atmosphere of giving, underscoring the importance of community support during this festive time.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Support Animal Rescue

At the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bruce Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores, a recent fundraiser has successfully bolstered the efforts of the I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven. This initiative, spearheaded by U.S. Navy veteran Teri Priebe, resulted in the donation of multiple pallets of pet food and essential supplies. Priebe, who has experience in organizing community projects, set up a giving tree at the post to gather donations of items such as leashes, collars, treats, and toys for dogs and cats.

“I volunteer at another dog shelter, so I reached out and asked if I could participate in this year’s giving tree,” Priebe shared. “We put together a list of things that the rescue needs.” To date, the post has delivered one and a half pallets of cat food and plans to provide additional dog food before the collection concludes on December 21, 2023. The giving tree remains accessible for further contributions at the post located at 28404 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.

New Baltimore Lions Club Helps Local Families

The New Baltimore Lions Club is also actively engaged in the spirit of giving through its participation in the Anchor Bay Giving Tree Project. This year, the club supported a family consisting of a mother and her four children, aged three to twelve. Under the leadership of Renee Baker, the club gathered donations to fulfill the family’s wish list, providing clothing, toys, and snacks, along with a grocery gift card for the mother.

“We wrap the gifts and give them to the lady from the Anchor Bay Giving Tree Project, and they deliver them to the family,” Baker explained. The Lions Club is also gearing up for its upcoming Winterfest, scheduled for February 20-22, 2024, which includes family-friendly activities and fundraising efforts to support various community initiatives.

Veterans Organizations Rally for Support

The annual Concours D’Agostini Car Show held at Villa Penna in Clinton Township has become a significant fundraiser for local charities, including the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154. Chapter member Tony D’Agostini, who served as a combat engineer in Vietnam, recently presented a check to the Veterans Support Center. This funding assists with the food pantry and various community support efforts, particularly during the holiday season.

Additionally, the Veterans Food Pantry, which operates out of the Veterans Support Center in Clinton Township, has received generous donations from various community members and organizations. For instance, members of St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church provided Thanksgiving baskets loaded with traditional dinner essentials. In a notable effort, students from the leadership class at Sterling Heights High School gathered and delivered approximately 4,000 items to support food-insecure veterans.

The pantry has experienced increased demand this year, attributed in part to the recent government shutdown. Regular volunteers continue to assist daily, while additional members from the chapter stepped in to help sort and distribute food. This collaborative effort has allowed the pantry to prepare for Operation Christmas, delivering food and gifts to many veterans and their families.

Community Contributions to Veterans’ Needs

The community’s support extends beyond food donations. Organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1269 Eagle Riders and American Axle have made monetary contributions to the Veterans Food Pantry. These funds have been vital in ensuring that local veterans have access to necessary resources during the holiday season.

The Royal Oak Elks Club, in collaboration with the City of Royal Oak and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Acorn Post, organized a ruck walk in November to raise awareness about veteran suicide, collecting around 1,200 pounds of food for distribution.

In a heartfelt initiative, the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township recently completed its Wreaths Across America program, placing wreaths on veterans’ graves at Resurrection Cemetery. Over 100 volunteers participated in this effort, demonstrating the community’s commitment to honoring those who served.

The combined efforts of service clubs and community organizations in Macomb County exemplify the power of collective action and compassion, particularly during the holiday season. As these groups continue to serve both pets and people, their impact resonates throughout the community, reminding everyone of the importance of giving.