NEW BUFFALO — The goal is simple: bring a smile to the face of every child in Harbor Country this holiday season.
The Pokagon Fund, along with a number of its longtime partners, is working to accomplish this mission by distributing food, clothing, toys and games to make the season bright.
This holiday season, Toys for Tots will provide gifts for more than 400 children throughout Harbor Country, thanks to a grant of $9,000 from The Pokagon Fund. In conjunction with community schools and churches, Toys for Tots works with families in need to ensure all children have the joy of opening a new present on Christmas day.
Understanding the importance of honoring every child’s dream, Toys for Tots keeps a small supply of gifts on hand for those last-minute requests, which in the past have arrived as late as Christmas Eve.
While toys may be every child’s dream, Michigan winters offer plenty of fun outdoor activities as well, provided one is properly outfitted.
The Harbor Country Rotary Club’s Hats and Mittens project provides those critical items for children who want to enjoy sledding, making snow angels and enjoying winter walks through one of our many wooded Harbor Country trails.
Since no activity is fun on an empty stomach, The Rotary Club will also deliver food baskets that not only provide festive holiday dinners to needy families, but also include a range of staples for the rest of the week.
Both projects are being underwritten by a $3,000 grant from The Pokagon Fund.
What are the holidays without a party? Operation Good Cheer, coordinated by the Department of Health and Human Services of Berrien County and funded in part by The Pokagon Fund, provides every foster child from Harbor Country with a holiday party.
Against a backdrop of gala seasonal décor, the afternoon includes special themed food, games, and prizes. All children will also receive three gifts chosen from their wish lists.
Approximately 40 foster children from New Buffalo, Three Oaks and Chikaming townships will attend this special event.
The extensive efforts of many area volunteers are responsible for the success of these crucial services.
Joining with these groups, The Pokagon Fund provides the grants needed to ensure that every Harbor Country child has a happy lasting memory of the 2016 holiday season.
The Pokagon Fund is a nonprofit, private foundation supported by revenue from the Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo. The fund’s mission is to enhance the lives of residents of southwest Michigan through the financial support of projects aimed at supporting education, alleviating poverty and community vitality.