When residents experience hard times and are in need of assistance Community Sharing is there to help, but now Community Sharing needs help from the public.
The Community Sharing outreach center that serves Milford, Highland and part of Wixom has been overwhelmed with requests from those in need of assistance and they are calling on individuals and local businesses to help provide items for a silent auction. This assistance will ensure that the good work of Community Sharing continues, work that includes help with food, clothing and emergency financial assistance
Their largest fundraiser, the 5th annual “Go for the Green” will take place on March 13 at the beautiful 59 West Grand Banquet Hall. The event will include a plated dinner, silent auction and live music from local pop/rock band Whack the Mole.
“Last year, we received many generous donations,” Community Sharing Board President Mel Boomer said. “They came in the form of cash, services, dinners at local restaurants, frequent-flyer miles and even the use of a hunting/ fishing cabin in Colorado for a week. We’re hoping the community comes through again this year, because the need for our services is greater than ever.”
As financial hardships continue to befall many, the need for help increases. Community Sharing helped over 900 residents in the month of December alone.
Community Sharing has no full-time employees, but operates with part-time staff and the help of hundreds of volunteers.
Current services include food and clothing distribution; emergency financial assistance; case management; financial counseling and budget management; family counseling; tutoring for children; job interviewing and skill coaching; assistance with transportation, utility shutoffs and evictions; support for medical, dental and pharmacy expenses; and gasoline vouchers.
Community Sharing also offers classes in self-esteem, budgeting and job skills, along with a scholarship program for eligible clients to cover GED expenses and college classes.
“We are dedicated to the mission of providing temporary support to those in need.” Boomer said. “We meet critical local needs that are often hidden. We provide motivation and encouragement while maintaining respect for the individual. Our goal is to help our clients achieve independence through their own initiative.”
To donate items, attend the fundraiser or volunteer to help, call 248-889-0347.
Community Sharing
2029 N. Milford Road, Highland (in the Apollo Center)
P.O. Box 405, Highland, MI 48357.
www.community-sharing.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, every 2nd and 4th Saturday, and the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency appointments are available. Voice mail is checked Monday through Friday.
