10 Ways to Spread Christmas Goodwill in Macomb Township

Whether it's support for a special concert at the library or help for a family affected by childhood cancer, some of the best Christmas gifts are those that will never fit under a tree.

Charitable organizations in Macomb Township and around the world rely on holiday donations to carry them through not only the Christmas season, but sometimes much of the year.

Many of us are still struggling to cover our own budgets, but if the spirit of the season moves you to give what you can spare, here are 10 organizations that support the Macomb Township community by providing food, social services and more to residents in need.

• Macomb Charitable Foundation – Provides financial assistance for items such as food, cothing, rent/utility assistance, vehicle repair and educational assistance to local families and their children.
• Cougar Closet – Community food pantry at Dakota High School
• Church of the Covenant Food Pantry – Community food pantry at Church of the Covenant. 
• St. Peter Lutheran Food Pantry – – Community food pantry at St. Peter Lutheran Church.
• Angels of Hope – Provides financial, advocac, and support services to the families with children or parents diagnosed with cancer. 
• Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation – Fund mini grants to Chippewa Valley teachers to enhance classroom education and awards scholarships.
• L'Anse Creuse Educational Foundation – Fund mini grants to L'Anse Creuse teachers to enhance classroom education and awards scholarships.
• Macomb Township Community Foundation – Establishes endowments and makes grants to support township activities and organizations.
• Friends of the Library – Fund special library programs, such as summer reading and Sunday concerts, as well as special purchases, such as e-readers. The Friends are always looking for new members, too!
• Macomb Township Goodfellows – The Goodfellows, known for their "no child without a Christmas" campaign, are facing extinction if no new members step up to take over the organization and its fund-raising efforts. Those interested should call township Trustee Roger Krzeminski at 586-247-6736.

While canned food donations are always accepted at the food pantries, grocery store gift cards and monetary donations are even better, as they allow pantry organizers to buy what is most needed at any given time. Nonprofits like Macomb Charitable Foundation appreciate gift certificates for bus passes, haircuts, fast food restaurants and plain old every-day needs.

Merry Christmas, Macomb!