[This post is written by Ashley Gulker, program specialist for the Volunteer Centers of Michigan and Michigan Campus Compact, and reposted from the Michigan Nonprofit Association blog.]
Tackle Hunger with the Michigan Community Service Commission
Your organization can support the second-annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by joining the effort to “Tackle Hunger” this fall. Get involved by collecting food or monetary donations at a local event or gathering a group of individuals to volunteer at your local Food Bank. September is Hunger Action Month and according to Feeding America’s national study, more than 1.1 million Michigan residents rely on assistance from food banks each year. In Michigan, nearly 200,000 different individuals receive emergency food assistance each week. How can you get involved? Complete the following steps:
1. Read through the relevant instructions for your organization, school, mentoring program, Volunteer Center, or national service program on MCSC’s website. You may need to reference the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s “Food Drive Guide”.
2. Find your local Food Bank by searching through the contact sheet available online.
3. Download the relevant flyer available through the MCSC website, fill in the necessary details, and post in public locations.
4. Reach out to local media outlets by completing and sharing this press releasehighlighting your efforts.
To participate, please complete the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Registration Form and return via fax or email to the Michigan Community Service Commission at (517) 241-3869 or harveyj1@michigan.gov.
Take Time to Support Our Troops
In addition to supporting local efforts to combat hunger, September 11 is a great time for individuals, families and communities to acknowledge and remember the men and women of our military who selflessly serve our country every day. Serve.gov gives several examples of ways we can give back to our troops:
1. Contact your National Guard State Family Program Director to learn how you can support National Guard families living in your area.
2. Organize a care package event with your friends; contact your local USO Chapter for more information.
3. Organize a holiday card drive with the Red Cross.
4. Contact your local veterans group and organize an event for veterans commemorating Veterans Day and Memorial Day in your neighborhood. Find a VFWor American Legion in your community.
5. Volunteer at a camp for military children. To find a camp for military kids in your state, go to MilitaryFamily.org