Did You Know? Stuffed Toy Drive

The Kids ‘n’ Kids 4-H group is holding a gently-used stuffed toy drive from now until September. The club members will clean and freshen gently-used stuffed friends and then distribute to various organizations for them to get to children who can love them.

Please help us by donating clean and gently-used stuffed items. Sorry, but we cannot accept battery-operated, digital, or mechanical toys. Old-fashioned stuffed animals only!

Do you have a toy or some toys to donate? Please contact Sister Bianca May at [email protected] to arrange drop off, or if you need, pick up of your donation.

Did You Know? Upcoming Bible School Programs!

It’s time to find fun and educational things for the kids to do, so some local churches are offering fabulous opportunities for local youngsters. Check out these Vacation Bible School offerings coming in the next few weeks in our area:

  • Volinia Baptist VBS (K-6): June 23-27, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • FBCN Jones VBS: July 7-11, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Calvin Center S.D.A VBS: July 8-13, 6:00-7:30 PM
  • Chapel Hill Community Church VBS: July 28-31 5:45-8:30

Check the flyers for registration details and other information!

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Did You Know? Our Community Garden

It’s time to get started with our Community Garden in Vandalia! Community gardens are a great way to nourish your family and help the larger community. Would you like to be involved?

It’s a lot like the story of the Little Red Hen. We can work together to grow some food, then families who assist can harvest what they need for their family’s use. The extras will be donated to local food pantry programs.

Check out the flyer below for complete details and contact information for you to express your interest.

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Did You Know? Free Children’s Activity!

The Kids-N-Kids Club will host a workshop on Sunday, June 9 from 2 to 3:30 PM at the Vandalia Youth Center (18035 State Street, Vandalia, MI 49095)! Participants can enjoy a gift-wrapping and bow-making workshop facilitated by Cass Area Artists and designed to complement the 2024 Cass County Fair theme of “Let the Games Begin.” They will also have fun with creating a weather cloud poster using cotton balls.

This event is open to children ages 5 and up, and parents should plan to chaperone their children. No membership in 4-H is required, so please join us! The deadline to RSVP is May 31, 2024. Please text Ms. Ridenour at 574-215-6337 or email [email protected] as soon as possible if you wish to attend. There is no fee for this event.

Here is the flyer:

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Did You Know? Cass Co. Transportation Vote

Mark your calendar for Febraury 27, 2024…there is an important vote happening. The Cass County Transportation Authority is asking for a 0.25 mill levy to fund services such as Dowagiac Dial-A-Ride and Cass County Public Transit. These services are critical to many local residents, but there would also be a small property tax increase involved. You can get the complete details, including estimated impact on your taxes and service benefits in the flyer below, but don’t miss your opportunity to vote and make your voice heard!! Help us spread the word so everyone can have a say.

Did You Know? Twelve Baskets Free Store

Twelve Baskets Free Store, located in Portage, Michigan, is welcoming anyone in need, regardless of residency. They offer not only clothing, but also over the counter medications, appliances, children’s toys, diapers of ALL SIZES, household decore, and much more. This is a fabulous resource that you should definitely check out. The address is 10330 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002 and the contact phone number is 269-532-4912. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/189136326666616. You can stay “in the know” about their offerings, how to make donations and other important information by joining their Facebook page.

Do you need help finding a ride to get to Twelve Baskets Free Store? Our Father’s Family Keeper may be able to help. Please send a message (with notice so we can plan) to us and we will try to help.

Did You Know? Free Help with Clothing!

CLOTHED IN COMPASSION is a free clothing room located at the corner of CR6 and CR19 in the Bristol/Elkhart area (in the former Zion Lutheran Church). They are open the first and third Saturdays of every month for you to get totally free men’s, women’s, teens’, children’s, and baby clothing. They also accept clothing donations.

There are no strings attached, no ID required, no paperwork or income questions, no appointment needed, and no residency requirement. Stop out and visit this dedicated program! You can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/817068349237437 to check hours, dates, and donation needs.