MIDLAND, Mich. – For the third consecutive year, individuals and families in several local counties are benefiting from a donation drive at Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union. Throughout February, DCECU collected food and personal care items to be divided among five organizations that distribute resources to community members.
In all, more than 5,600 items were collected. This included contributed items as well as items purchased with a $600 donation from Garber Chevrolet, which was earmarked for use within Midland County – and a few cash donations from DCECU members.
Organizations benefitting from the drive included Safe Harbor Kitchen, Midland’s Open Door, Greater Midland Coleman Family Center, Helping Hands Mission, and the Ecumenical Food Pantry in Saginaw.
“We’re just amazed by the generosity of our community in providing donations that will make a tremendous impact locally,” said DCECU Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO Susan Phillips, who has organized the drive each year. “To go from around 2,600 items our first year to nearly 4,000 items last year to 5,600-plus this year is wonderful growth. It’s a testament to the giving spirit of our members and employees, as well as the community at large.”
Each week of the four-week drive featured specific items that were being sought for donation, but all donations were welcomed. Collected canned food items included soups, fruits, vegetables and meats. Personal care items collected included toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and stick deodorant.