Christmas is a time of Grinches and givers. Which are you?
Here’s one simple way to give. If you are a member of the North Shore Credit Union you have an opportunity to help Birch Grove Community School.
Because North Shore Federal has created a Patronage Reward Giving Program it allows its members to donate any balance currently held in their patronage reward account to any designated community advantage nonprofit organization such as Birch Grove.
It is also tax deductible.
Or if you would rather your dollars go to the Grand Marais Art Colony, you can ask the Credit Union to send them there. Your patronage dollars will help any nonprofit you designate.
The Cook County Food Shelf could also use a helping hand. Donations have been down the last couple of months. When you are buying groceries for yourself or your family, remember there are other families that are less fortunate. All it takes to make a difference is a small donation of food in the bins at the grocery stores designated for the Food Shelf. Or you could also volunteer to help at the food shelf. They are always looking for more helpers.
If you have time on your hands you could also volunteer to help at the North Shore Care Center or one of the schools in the area. The Grand Marais Lions Club can always use more members and there are other service groups like Arrowhead Animal Rescue that need a helping hand.
Pastor Dale McIntire, Salvation Army “Merry Christmas for Kids” project coordinator, reports that a local supplier has donated “a huge assortment of premium women’s winter hats and ski caps, gloves, mittens, and scarves that will be provided free to anyone who needing some warm, functional accessories for winter.
“These are in addition to the beautiful, often hand-knit, children’s mittens, hats, and scarves collected by the good folks from Arrowhead Electric,” said McIntire.
These items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Grand Marais Senior Center on Saturday, December 17 from 9 a.m. until noon. All it takes to qualify for these items is that you need them or will give them to someone who does need them.
And remember to drop a few coins in the basket of your local Salvation Army bell ringer. But beware, the Grinch in you goes away every time you give and your heart warms a little more even as the temperatures outside drop. Funny thing about giving, it becomes contagious. Pass it on.
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