Lighthouse continues to expand its holiday and Thanksgiving programs

Lighthouse of Oakland County once again is managing an extensive Thanksgiving and Holiday Program to help thousands of residents in southeastern Michigan this holiday season. In 2011 these programs directly impacted more than 2,500 families, including seniors, children and single mothers. Many of these families are in need of support for the first time because of serious medical costs, sudden unemployment or other issues. They are striving to become self-sufficient and the support Lighthouse provides them goes a long way to making reducing some of the stress that naturally occur during the holiday season. "Our programs are targeted toward families that want and need the help - they don't want to come back to us every year," said Lighthouse President and CEO John Ziraldo. "We have a number of stories of families or individuals who were supported by Lighthouse, and once they got back on their feet they came back to volunteer for us." Lighthouse is asking for support from companies, families and individuals, both in dollars and volunteer hours. More than 90 percent of all donations will be used to directly fund services for Lighthouse clients. All clients accepted into these two programs are carefully screened by Lighthouse to ensure a need and a desire for self-sufficiency exists. Below is more information on these programs: Lighthouse Thanksgiving Program The expenses of the holiday season can be an added burden to many families already struggling to afford food and basic necessities. The Lighthouse Thanksgiving Program provides families the food necessary to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Last year Lighthouse was able to provide 1,500 families with food baskets. Despite an economy that has shown tentative signs of life, many families are still unable to experience a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Many of these clients are reaching out for help for the very first time in their lives. There are several ways you can help put a smile on the faces of these individuals this Thanksgiving season: Sponsor a Food Drive, Make a Donation, or Volunteer. For more information about the Thanksgiving Program, call 248-920-6000, ext. 2141 or email thanksgiving@LighthouseOakland.org. Lighthouse Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program Lighthouse of Oakland County is proud of its 22-year tradition of the Holiday Adopt-a-Family program. Volunteers and donors become involved because of the impact it has on their own lives. The warm feeling that comes from knowing that another family or senior will have a holiday complete with gifts and food due to their efforts is very rewarding. Many families are struggling to afford food and day-to-day expenses and have little to no money to provide basic necessities such as coats, gloves, blankets and toys. The Holiday Adopt-a-Family program enables Lighthouse to match donors with families and seniors to fill this void and make their holidays brighter. We helped more than 1,000 families as part of this program in 2011. To help, you can Adopt-a-Family, make a donation or volunteer this holiday season. The help you provide can go a long way in bringing a holiday wish to life for parents, children and seniors. For more information about the Holiday Program, call 248-920-6000, ext. 2242 or email holiday@LighthouseOakland.org. Financial gifts can be mailed to: Lighthouse of Oakland County, PO Box 430508, 46156 Woodward Ave., Pontiac, 48343-0508. Published: Tue, Nov 20, 2012