Stockbridge Community Outreach Assists Families for the Holidays

by Karen Smith

Karen Smith, Director of Outreach

Halloween has barely passed and our thoughts are already racing forward to the holidays ahead. November and December bring a flurry of family gatherings and gift giving that cause any family some stress, but to those with limited resources, these holiday expectations can be financially crushing. Stockbridge Community Outreach offers to ease this burden and acts as a bridge between those needing help and those wishing to reach out during the holidays.

Food baskets are provided for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with all the fixings for a holiday meal, including a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and so forth. Outreach has many community partners who provide food for these baskets. The Stockbridge High School Leadership Class, facilitated by Corey Baird, has led a Thanksgiving food drive for many years that has become far and away the largest amount of food brought in by any one group during the year.

In addition to food baskets, qualifying families can also apply for the Adopt-a-Family gift program for Christmas. One-hundred percent of families who sign up for this program receive gifts. In 2016, Outreach provided Christmas assistance in the form of food and gifts to 123 families in the Stockbridge School District area, including Gregory, Munith and Pinckney. Each family must qualify according to residency (must reside in Stockbridge School District) and by income (must provide proof). Christmas applications will close December 11.

There are many ways to assist with the holiday effort. You can donate food, adopt a family, or make a cash contribution. On December 2 from 8-10 p.m., The Back Street Family Restaurant and Bar is holding a toy fundraiser for Outreach featuring Matt King, Elvis impersonator. Some organize drives of their own, specifying needs such as food, hygiene items, coats, etc. Call Outreach at (517) 851-7285 for more information on how you can help, or stop in during office hours, which are Monday and Friday 9-3 and Wednesday 1-6. The facility is located at 370 Cherry Street.