Neighborhood House Outfits Children in Need

Blast Off 2 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, the Rochester Fire Station, the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce office, or Oakland Township Hall. Neighborhood House has created a COVID-19 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. Supply lists are available at www.ranh.org.

“Last year we provided pens, pencils, erasers, markers, loose-leaf binder, notebooks, rulers, and backpacks to 488 students in need,” said Kathy Losinski, Executive Director of Neighborhood House. “This program has been life changing for many children. One year we had an 11-year-old boy who received his first physical as a result of our Blast Off 2 School program.” Losinski said that donors may also stay safe at home and order online supplies and have them delivered directly to the Neighborhood House office.

This year’s distribution will take place on Saturday, August 15; however, supplies are being gathered, sorted, and bagged starting July 13. Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up on the Neighborhood House website.

Through partnerships with Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s Operation School Bell, and Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (Crittenton), students will also receive underwear, socks, a shirt, hoodie, book and hygiene kit as well as receive a 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.

We all have been faced with serious challenges in the last five months, but none more than our neighbors in need and now the school-age children in those families. As our local schools are redesigning their educational programs for the coming school year, let’s make sure all children have the supplies, clothing, and attention they need to succeed! You can be a part of that success by donating to Neighborhood House’s Blast Off 2 School. 

About Neighborhood House

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.