<div>The Rochester Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Rochester Hills Lions Clubs have again joined forces to support some of Michigan's most vulnerable children—those in foster care. People may join service clubs for various reasons—networking, making friends, or learning about their community—but surveys consistently show that the desire to give back is a driving force for most members. This recent effort by the Rochester area service clubs is a testament to the community's commitment to helping foster children.Currently, around 10,000 children in Michigan are in foster care, with many more living in kinship families, where relatives like grandparents, aunts, or uncles step in when parents are unable to care for them. To address the needs of these children, the four Rochester service clubs organized a collection drive for essential items such as new underwear, socks, pajamas, jeans, jackets, and diapers. These contributions meet immediate needs and boost the children's self-esteem, sending a message that a caring community supports them.“We are overwhelmed by the community's response to this project!” said Chuck Bissell, President of the Rochester Kiwanis Club. A sincere thank you goes out to everyone in the greater Rochester area who contributed to helping these children and youth who face unimaginable challenges.Christine Hage, Rotary President, added, “This project demonstrates the power of our local service organizations and businesses coming together, united by a passion for making a difference and creating lasting change.”The donations, valued at approximately $6,247, will be distributed to several organizations, including the Macomb Foster Closet, Mandy’s Place Residential Center, True Vision Church, Community Mission Center, Friends of Foster Kids, Wayne State University’s program for students from foster care, and the Park West Foundation, which supports women aging out of foster care. Additionally, individual foster, adoptive, and kinship families who reach out in need will also receive assistance.These vital donations will be distributed to children and families across Wayne, Oakland, Lapeer, Macomb, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and nearby counties, ensuring that foster and kinship families throughout Michigan receive the support they need.Individuals interested in joining one of these service clubs can get more information on membership on each club’s website: www.rochesterlionsclub.org; www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfRochester; https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/rochesterhills/; or www.rochesterrotaryclub.org.</div>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Local service clubs collect necessities for foster children

The Rochester Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Rochester Hills Lions Clubs have again joined forces to support some of Michigan's most vulnerable children—those in foster care. People may join service clubs for various reasons—networking, making friends, or learning about their community—but surveys consistently show that the desire to give back is a driving force for most members.