While we love to pass on used toys so that others can enjoy them, some are just not in good enough shape for kids to enjoy. What to do with those toys? You know, the ones with missing parts, or missing instructions, or broken pieces. How about the electronics that no longer work as designed?
Some people try “donating” them to programs such as ours, but this is not productive. If the toys are not in good shape, we end up having to find a way (and sometimes have to pay!) to get rid of them ourselves, which takes away from our mission.
Instead, let’s work together to recycle those toys and playthings that are no longer usable! There are a number of manufacturers that have recycling programs. They are equipped to make the most of these dribs and drabs that we can no longer use. As we find out about these, we will add to the list. Here are some recycling programs to consider.
LEGOS: Got old LEGO sets or mismatched pieces that you need to get out of your house? Consider all the ideas in this article. The LEGO company itself has a robust recycling program that’s free and easy to use. So don’t toss those old LEGO bricks into the trash! Send them off to the company to get new life and help another young child learn and grow.
CRAYONS: Nearly everyone with kids has a box full of old, broken crayons in a closet or on a shelf somewhere. They can be great for craft projects, but one family can only manage so many multi-colored, lopsided candles. Here’s another idea: send them off to be recycled professionally! You can get all the information in this flyer:
The Area Agency on Aging wants to connect with seniors 55 and up that are providing custodial care for grandchildren or other family members. Help may be available for seasonal needs to make the holidays brighter for your family! Please contact them or send friends and neighbors providing kinship care. Get all the details in the flyer below.
Our Area Agency on Aging is offering holiday help for kinship families. If you are (or know someone who is) raising children and are past the age of 55, they may be able to offer one-time financial assistance for holiday and seasonal needs such as warm outerwear, gifts, and more. Please check out the flyer below for complete details.
Please help us spread the word! Calvin Center SDA Church is holding a holiday basket Give-A-Way on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 2-4 PM (First Come, First Serve, while supplies last.
Complete details are in the flyer, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
DHHS is kicking off the annual Holiday Project, where low income families and seniors in Cass and St. Joseph County, Michigan can apply for Holiday food and assistance. Families in need can return this application to be considered:
Project organizers are also seeking donors to make this project happen. If you or your organization can help by adopting a family or making other donations, please check out these links:
We’ve just become aware of a tree-mendous resource in Edwardsburg! The Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church has a Giving Tree in the alley behind the building (near the Post Office). Donors have provided clothing, and it is hanging on the tree for anyone to use. What a great idea! If you have gently-used clothing items, you can donate. If you need clothing, you can take what you need, any day or any time. You can see the flyer with full details by clicking HERE.
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries’ (OFFKM) signature free Fall-Winter clothing exchange returns on August 22, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This time it will be held at 61472 Donald Roadway West in Vandalia, Michigan, and social distancing and face covering guidelines will be followed.
“We are proud to host this event for our local families in need,” said Bianca May, the co-founder and executive director of OFFKM. “There is no limit to the number of items that a family may choose to take home with them.”
Event organizers are seeking donations of gently-used clothes and shoes (for both children and adults), baby gear, toys, books, and household items, and children’s clothes hangers. Clothes and shoes should be suited for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. All donated items are given to members of the community for free.
“Monetary donations are also much appreciated,” said May. “Donations are used to purchase items needed to fulfill our services, such as clothes hangers, storage containers, and face masks.”
To arrange a donation drop-off, or for questions about the event and serving as a volunteer, please contact OFFKM via email ([email protected]) or phone (269-476-1257).
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries collaborates with local organizations to increase awareness about the need for early childhood education and brainstorm solutions
Cass County, Michigan — Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries (OFFKM) will host a free virtual screening of the film No Small Matter on June 20. It is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education.
Local families and community leaders are invited to watch the film and participate in a follow-up discussion. There is a flexible viewing schedule limited to the first 300 views which may occur up to three days before June 20 until one day after (June 17-21).
No Small Matter lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of a child’s first five years of life, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.
“We hope to positively change the trajectory of our families and community by taking action after watching this film,” said Bianca May, the co-founder and executive director of OFFKM.
OFFKM is collaborating with community leaders to spread the word about this issue. Reverend James Solarek, executive pastor of Edwardsburg Community Church and a foster parent, is one of them.
“We are excited to partner with OFFKM to promote “No Small Matter.” As a pastor, foster parent, and part of our community, I cannot overemphasize the importance of early childhood education,” said Solarek.
“We hope this documentary will continue to improve the families in our community and encourage all of us to take positive action,” he added.
Other organizations, Cass County Great Start Collaborative and Tri-County Head Start, have recently shared the documentary with their constituents to spark action as well.
Anna Carter, director of the Cass County Great Start Collaborative said, “The film “No Small Matter” is put together very well. It shows the importance of positive early childhood experiences on brain development and what that looks like with research and outcomes.”
“This film shows actual families that are struggling with the work/home balance, with the cost and availability of quality child care and preschool. I have viewed this film many times and each time I learn more. We all need to work together as a community to support families and children. Together we can make a difference,” Carter concluded.
Chanda Hillman, executive director for the Tri-County Head Start program can also attest to the impact of early childhood education on the community at large.
“Investing in early childhood education makes sense for local economies, studies show that for every $1 invested in a high-quality early childhood program, there is an economic return in that community of $7-$19,” said Hillman.
To watch a trailer of the film and reserve your spot for the virtual screening, please visit www.offkm-nosmallmatter.eventbrite.com or visit OFFKM’s Facebook Page for more information.
“Please join us in both watching the film and participating in the discussion afterwards to see how we can all become part of the solution,” said May.
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries is a Vandalia-based nonprofit, which May and her husband, Curtis, formed in 2012. It offers a number of services including youth educational supports, providing furniture and household items for individuals transitioning from shelters into housing, and transportation for those in need of assistance.
Our ministry offers a variety of services. While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, we are blessed to be able to provide a little relief to families. We are offering by appointment, in compliance with social distancing, free shopping opportunities. We have a large variety of summer clothing in children and adult sizes. We also have various household goods, books, shoes, and miscellaneous items. These are are free to you, and there is no requirement to shop. We are also in need of volunteers for our next big giveaway event in August. Our events would not be possible without donations and volunteers. Please pass these flyers on to others that may be interested. Like our Facebook page for more information on our ministry.
