Karen Lorenc from Flushing Christian Outreach spoke this morning with the 15 members present, noting that Flushing has a population of 20,000 and that 1/10 of those are described as having “constrained income”. Her organization processes 19,900 pounds of clothing per month so as to allow “shopping” by needy persons and the extra is shared with other charitable organizations for distribution. In 2021, food was given to 185 people per month, but that number has now risen to 498 and seems to be growing more. Relying primarily on donations, the organization has an operating deficit of $70, 000, so managing the 3 paid staff and130 volunteers is challenging, even with support from Meijer, Kroger’s, and Helping Hand membership. Karen also came to our recent “Signing Santa Pancake Breakfast” with the elementary kids from Michigan School for the Deaf and may be joining the Club! (see “Event”).
The 11 Club members who participated in the Salvation Army Bell-Ringing at ELGA Credit Union recounted their successes and anecdotes, receiving recognition and appreciation for their services.
Reminders of this week’s Candlewalk plans (dispensing hot cups of cider and cocoa) were given to the participants. (See photo of Bill Reaves talking up the Club before the parade starts.)
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is planning for delivery/assembly teams on Saturday and the Club has a couple teams volunteering to make beds. (See related photo.)
Lt. Gov. Bill Reaves reported on the Grand Blanc Optimist Club’s NOW meeting, which had 8 members and 3 non-members present. 2 new members are joining as a result!
West Flint Optimist Club Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m..
Jet Kilmer, who has developed a program for providing musical instruments to middle school students, will be our speaker at the next regular WFOC breakfast meeting on the 19th (at Valley’s).
Angela Williams from “Wines for Humanity” will be our speaker on December 28.
Phil Holmblade drew the winning ticket, but not the winning card, in the “Progressive 50/50 Pot” drawing worth $178 this morning.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
