by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall

As we slide headlong into another beautiful Michigan autumn, attention at Outreach turns to planning the annual Adopt-a-family Christmas program. Fortunately, Outreach is not alone. Many churches, school and community groups, and individuals make plans to participate in the program by adopting one or more families.

Among the most steadfast and generous allies in ensuring a happy Christmas for area families: the Stockbridge Lions Club. In 2025, the Stockbridge Lions Club adopted 21 people! That’s a lot of shopping, sorting, wrapping and delivering. Plus, the club gave Outreach an additional donation of $500.

The Lions raise these funds in a way as entertaining as it is generous: by hosting an annual Christmas auction. Lions members wrap a white-elephant-style gift and bring it to the auction, where other members bravely bid on the unknown objects, amidst lots of jokes and teasing. All proceeds go toward helping Outreach with Christmas in our community.

“Extra money from former Lions Club members also comes in through the mail to help shore up the fund,” said Lions Club member Molly Howlett.

Last year’s gift shopping was headed up by club members Kathleen Mullins and Lyn St. Dennis.

“It’s a long day, and we try to use coupons gathered by Lions members to help stretch our money,” St. Dennis said. “We also order some hard-to-find items online and keep our fingers crossed that we receive them in time. I’ve run myself—or sent my husband, Mike—to Outreach on distribution day, slipping last-minute gifts in the bag just before they are given out,” she said with a laugh.

The Stockbridge Lions Club is a proud member of Lions Clubs International, a network of volunteers who serve their communities in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Additional annual projects that are done locally include the Adopt-a-Highway clean-up program; the Stockbridge Easter Egg Hunt; and collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids for those in need. The club also awards scholarships to graduating Stockbridge High School seniors and provides financial support to community organizations.

The Lions meet the first Tuesday of the month at Stockbridge Township Hall at 6:30 p.m. If you would like more information, email stockbridgelionsclub@gmail.com.

IMPORTANT DATES for holiday giving and receiving at Outreach

For those who want to GIVE HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE:

• For those who would like to assist with clothing donations: Outreach will still accept winter outerwear throughout the holidays. Please hold your other clothing and household goods until after the holidays.
• Adopt a Family: Call, email, or stop in to Adopt a Family starting Monday, Nov. 2
• Food donations due for Thanksgiving bags Friday, Nov. 20
• Gift and Christmas food donations due at Outreach by Friday, Dec. 11
• Monetary donations can be made throughout the year: Online, go to stockbridgecommunityoutreach.org. In person, drop off at the office during open hours. By mail, send to Stockbridge Community Outreach, PO Box 682, Stockbridge, MI 49285

For those who NEED HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE:

• Apply for Holiday Assistance: Monday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Nov. 25

(Call to schedule an appointment, 517-851-7285. Bring updated household income info with you.)

• Last day to apply for Thanksgiving food baskets: Wednesday, Nov. 18
• Last day to apply for Christmas adoption: Wednesday, Nov. 25
• Outreach CLOSED for Thanksgiving holiday: Friday, Nov. 27
• Christmas Room opens to qualified families: Monday, Dec. 7

(Call to schedule an appointment to qualify for and shop the room.)

• Christmas food and gift distribution: Friday, Dec. 18, Noon-3 p.m.

To learn more about the Outreach holiday programs, please email outreach49285@gmail.com or call 517-851-7285.