In the midst of the truly tragic water crisis in Flint, it is encouraging to see so many people in southwest Michigan who are willing to help.

Schools, businesses and churches in Berrien County have joined countless others across the country in providing support for the thousands of Flint residents who have been affected by living with a lead-tainted water supply.

It is impossible to imagine what the Flint parents are going through knowing their young children have been exposed to a substance that could result serious and long-term consequences for their health and development.

Anything we can do to ease the path toward recovery for these families is worth the effort.

Over the past few days, we have listed collection events designed to provide Flint families with support in the form of donations of bottled water.

Below is a list of current and upcoming events in case you missed them.

We thank everyone who has helped already and encourage everyone with the means to contribute to do so.

 

Berrien RESA/First Student bottled water collection (now through Feb. 12)

• First Student Transportation Center, 4333 E. Shawnee Road, Berrien Springs. Collection hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday

• Berrien RESA’s Administrative Center, 711 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs. Collection hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

• Blossomland Learning Center, 711 St, Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs. Collection hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

• Lighthouse Education Center, 379 Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. Collection hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

 

Niles Philadelphia Church/YMCA bottled water collection

• 2 to 7 p.m. Feb. 18, 19 at 33332 US-12 in Niles

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 20 at 33332 US-12 in Niles

 

Niles Relevant Church/Mt. Calvary Baptist Church bottled water collection

• Sunday, Feb. 7 at Niles Relevant Church, 801 N. 17th St., Niles

• Sunday, Feb. 7 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St., Niles

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.