Optimist Club Hosts Blanket-Making Events for Foster Kids

The Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores is launching its tenth annual series of “no-sew” blanket-making parties aimed at supporting children in foster care in Macomb County. These events, which have become a staple for community engagement, will take place on November 20 and December 2, from 18:00 to 20:30, at Lakeview Public School’s Administration Building located at 27575 Harper Avenue.

Volunteers are a vital part of this initiative, helping create cozy blankets for children in need. Last year alone, over 150 blankets were produced and distributed to foster children. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to bring a good pair of scissors along with a fleece “no-sew” blanket-making kit, which typically includes two sides of flannel material. These kits can be found at retailers like Hobby Lobby and Michaels, as well as on Amazon and other online platforms.

To ensure adequate space and refreshments, volunteers are requested to confirm their attendance by contacting Maureen Wark at 586-246-2559 or by emailing Debbie DePape at [email protected].

Collection Drive for Foster Children

In addition to the blanket-making sessions, the Optimist Club is also conducting its tenth Macomb Foster Closet Collection Drive. This event is set to take place at the adult education wing of North Lake High School, located at 23340 Elmira Street. The collection drive aims to provide essential items for over 900 foster children in the county, requesting donations of new clothing, diapers, and toiletries suitable for children aged newborn to 18 years.

Needed items include new socks and underwear, winter coats, hats, gloves, shoes, books, toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and twin or crib sheet sets. Donations of gift cards for teens and new backpacks are also welcome. Drop-off times are scheduled from 08:30 to 12:00 between December 1 and December 5. Donations can also be made during the blanket-making parties.

Debbie DePape, a member of the Optimist Club, highlighted the community’s involvement: “Both of these events, over the past nine years, have brought hundreds of community members and students together to help the foster children in Macomb County.”

Community Engagement and Support

Beyond blanket-making, the Optimist Club of Clinton Township has taken steps to enhance youth mental health resources. Recently, the club donated several books focusing on mental health and suicide prevention to libraries within Clintondale Community Schools. This initiative was championed by board member Barry Burnham, who is affiliated with the Macomb County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The selected titles aim to assist students dealing with grief and mental health challenges.

Books donated include “The Sad Dragon: A Book About Grief and Loss” by Steve Herman and “Suicide in Schools” by Terri A. Erbacher, among others. These resources are intended to provide vital support and guidance for young individuals facing difficult circumstances.

Club members have also been active in community cleanup efforts. A dedicated group recently undertook an Adopt-A-Road cleanup along Clinton River Road, contributing to environmental sustainability in the area for over 20 years.

Additionally, the Roseville Optimist Club recently celebrated local students recognized as Safety of the Year during their Respect for Law ceremony, featuring Police Chief Mitch Berlin as the keynote speaker. The honored safety patrol members came from various elementary schools, underscoring the commitment to student safety within the community.

Events such as the Mount Clemens Santa Parade, scheduled for November 22, further exemplify the community spirit, with numerous organizations participating to spread holiday cheer.

These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families in Macomb County through collaborative community efforts.