Macomb Charitable Foundation Seeks Summer Help for Homeless Children

The estimates there are now more than 1,200 in Macomb County, most of which have no place to go during the summer months.

When shelters close for the day, some of these children and their families can be found riding the Smart bus to escape the heat, or wandering the aisles of Meijer or Walmart to stay out of the sun.

"Most of these children come from families with little or no income and spend their days seeking relief from the summer heat," wrote MCF President Shelly Penzien, in an email to MCF supporters. "While our children look forward to summer vacation, the homeless child misses the breakfast and lunch provided to them, as well as the interaction with their peers. They have no home to invite their friends to."

It is the mission of this Macomb Township-based charity to make a difference in the lives of local children and their families, and this summer, MCF representatives are asking the community to offer their support in any way they can.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• MCF will be participating in a Summer Camp for Homeless Children run by the Macomb Intermediate School District. The nonprofit would like to gift each of the 40 children with a gift card to purchase shoes and at least one new book. Make a donation by filling out the form attached here.

• In August, MCF will partner with The Central Macomb Optimist Club and the Macomb County Sheriff's department to take 100 children living below the poverty level school shopping at a "Shop With The Sheriff" event. Sponsor a child for this event by using the attached donation form. 

• MCF is hosting a Ladies Golf Outing in August. The event is sold out, but local businesses and community members can help by sponsoring a hole. Other opportunities for sponsorship are also available. Check out the attached Golf Sponsorship form.

• The MCF used book sale is scheduled for Oct. 24-28. Donations of used adult and children’s books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games can be dropped off at St. Peter Lutheran Church (Door 25) during regular business hours. For more information call Bill or Dianne Wetzel at 586-484-6369. Proceeds from the event benefit MCF. 

Local schools are also doing their part to help with the MISD summer camp. The Eisenhower football team, along with friends of Darlene Piette, will be providing lunch and games for kids during the camp and the girls golf team will be hosting a golf clinic as part of the camp activities.