Community spirit flourishes in Macomb County as local service clubs engage in various initiatives to support families and animals during the holiday season. Notably, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bruce Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores organized a fundraiser that benefits the I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven. This effort resulted in the donation of pallets of pet food and essential supplies to the rescue organization located at 22415 Groesbeck Hwy., Warren.
U.S. Navy veteran Teri Priebe spearheaded the initiative, which included a giving tree to collect items for dogs and cats. Priebe, who served as a boatswain’s mate, utilized her organizational skills to coordinate donations of leashes, collars, treats, and other pet care essentials. “I volunteer at another dog shelter, so I reached out and asked if I could participate in this year’s giving tree,” she shared. The giving tree remains available for contributions until December 21 at the post, located at 28404 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores.
Support for Local Families and Veterans
The New Baltimore Lions Club is also making a significant impact through their participation in the Anchor Bay Giving Tree Project. The club received a family identification number for a mother and her four children, aged three to twelve. Club member Renee Baker coordinated the project, collecting donations that included clothes, toys, and school supplies. Gifts are wrapped and delivered to the family through the Anchor Bay Giving Tree Project, along with a grocery gift card for the mother.
Baker, who also chairs the New Baltimore Lions Club Winterfest, emphasized the importance of community engagement. The Winterfest event, renowned for its Polar Bear Plunge, will take place from February 20 to 22 and features various activities, including a heated beer tent with live music. The event raises funds for various Lions causes, such as vision, hunger, and disaster relief.
Another initiative, the Concours D’Agostini Car Show at Villa Penna in Clinton Township, helps raise funds for local charities, including Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154. Chapter member Tony D’Agostini, a combat engineer veteran, presented a generous check to the Veterans Support Center for their food pantry and other community support efforts during the holiday season.
Holiday Giving in the Community
Numerous organizations have come together to assist veterans in need during the holidays. Members of St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Clinton Township donated Thanksgiving baskets filled with traditional meal items, including turkey and pumpkin pie, to veterans reliant on the Veterans Food Pantry. This pantry is operated by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and serves veterans from all eras.
Students from the leadership class at Sterling Heights High School contributed significantly by gathering and delivering approximately 4,000 items to support food-insecure veterans. They have successfully conducted this donation drive for several years, showcasing a commitment to community service.
In addition, representatives from American Axle in Fraser donated multiple boxes of turkeys for veterans in need. Local churches, businesses, and individuals also contributed a wide range of fresh and nonperishable food items to the center.
This holiday season, the Veterans Food Pantry has seen increased demand, partly due to the effects of the recent government shutdown. Regular volunteers, alongside additional members, worked diligently to ensure that the pantry remained stocked and operational.
As the community continues to mobilize support, the veterans’ chapter also initiated Operation Christmas, providing hundreds of families with food, gift cards, and toys. Generous donations from various organizations, including the Italian American Delegates, have bolstered these efforts.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles 1269 Eagle Riders in Mount Clemens raised funds through a spaghetti dinner to support the food pantry, further illustrating the collaborative spirit present in the community.
The Royal Oak Elks Club, in conjunction with the city, organized a ruck walk to raise awareness for the concerning statistic that twenty veterans die by suicide daily. The event collected around 1,200 pounds of food, underscoring the collective commitment to supporting veterans.
Finally, the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township concluded their Wreaths Across America program at Resurrection Cemetery, where volunteers placed wreaths on veterans’ graves. Over 100 volunteers participated, marking graves and placing 2,304 American flags to honor those who served.
As the holiday season progresses, the dedication of Macomb County’s service clubs continues to shine, providing much-needed support to both pets and families in the local community.
