Neighborhood House Needs Help Outfitting Children for School
Neighborhood House is seeking new donated school supplies from July 13 – August 7. School supplies may be dropped off at the Neighborhood House office at 1720 South Livernois or at the Rochester Hills Public Library, Rams Horn Restaurant, the Rochester Fire Station, the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce office, or Oakland Township Hall.
Last year Neighborhood House outfitted 488 children for school in partnership with Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan and Ascension Providence Rochester (Crittenton Hospital). This year the need will be even greater. Due to the pandemic, the start of school is fraught with many uncertainties and school supplies should not be one of them. The community can help by donating supplies now so there is one less thing for families in need to worry about.
“We recognize that many people feel safer at home, so donors can now place an order on Amazon and have the school supplies delivered directly to us,” said Kathy Losinski, Executive Director of Neighborhood House. “The pandemic has added many challenges to our neighbors in need. We have been focusing on supplying food in the last five months, but with school starting there will be new challenges and new school supplies are one of things we can provide.”
Other needs will be filled through partnerships with Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s Operation School Bell, and Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan will be providing underwear, socks, a shirt, hoodie, book, and hygiene kit. Through Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, each student will have the opportunity to receive a free school physical. “Families in need really appreciate this support, particularly in these difficult and uncertain times,” said Barbara Cenko, President of the Neighborhood House Board.
This year’s distribution will take place on Saturday, August 15; however, supplies are being gathered, sorted, and bagged now. Interested individuals may volunteer.
Neighborhood House’s Blast Off 2 School
Supply lists are available at www.ranh.org. Neighborhood House has created a Emergency Fund where monetary donations can also be made to benefit neighbors in need. By donating just $50, a child will receive a backpack full of school supplies.
Neighborhood House serves Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township. They provide rent and utility financial assistance, operate a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, offer transportation services, provide counseling, facilitate many educational programs for families in need, and more. Last year, Neighborhood House’s programs helped over 3,000 households on their path from financial crisis to self-sustainability.