South Canton Scholars Students Give a Gift That Could Change a Life

South Canton Scholars Charter Academy students raise $297 for Heifer International through Holiday Dress Day.

Submitted by National Heritage Academies Students at South Canton Scholars Charter Academy raised $297 for Hiefer International on Friday by wearing their holiday best. Heifer International works to support children in poverty-stricken countries with food and educational opportunities. When donations come to the nonprofit, donors can choose to purchase animals for a family in need. Heifer International trains the family in how to use the animals and their products, such as milk and eggs, to become self-sufficient. The student council decided to purchase one flock of chicks, one sheep, one goat and one boost of nutrition package that will be given to malnourished children.

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Panache Comedy Club Relaunches in January

Panache 447 in downtown Plymouth donates the majority of its comedy club ticket sales to participating charities.

Panache 447's comedy club, Funny Side Up, is all about charity to support the community. "The charity will purchase tickets in advance and they will get the majority of the ticket sales," said Blake Kolo, restaurant owner. He said they also get 10 percent of the bills of comedy club attendees if they have dinner before the show. Kolo said Panache 447, which opened in April, started its comedy club about six weeks ago. However, the upstairs room of 447 Forest Ave. in downtown Plymouth has been booked for weeks for private parties. "It’ll be relaunching in January after the holiday parties," he said. Starting in 2013, Kolo said there will be comedy shows 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Comedians are local and nationally touring, he said. …

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Help Patch Fight Hunger in Plymouth and Canton

Starting today, you can purchase and donate food to the Gleaners Community Food Bank during Patch's virtual food drive. Our goal is to collect $10,000 through Nov. 17 to help feed the area's hungry families.

The statistics are grim, especially for children. One out of four Michigan children lives in a household with food insecurity, meaning they do not always know where their next meal is coming from. In southeast Michigan, nearly 40 percent of more than 100,000 people receiving food assistance each week are children under age 18. Poor nutrition, particularly in the first three years of life, has profound implications on a child’s physical and mental health, development, academic achievement and economic productivity. Today Patch.com, through its 30 Michigan sites including Plymouth-Canton, is launching an online food drive to raise $10,000 by Nov. 17 to feed area families. This is the first virtual food drive for the Gleaners Community Food …

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Plymouth Turns on Holiday Lights; Salvation Army Kicks Off Fundraiser

Salvation Army Plymouth Corps starts its Red Kettle Campaign while City of Plymouth lights boulevard trees in downtown Plymouth.

The City of Plymouth turned on its lights Friday, while the Salvation Army Plymouth Corps kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign fundraiser at Kellogg Park in preparation for the holidays. The city flipped the switch on its boulevard trees, lit with amber-colored LED bulbs, for the holidays amidst Christmas carols and music from the Salvation Army band. The boulevard tree lighting event is now in its third year in downtown Plymouth, Mayor Daniel Dwyer said, and its giving-back spirit is "what Plymouth's all about." The sound of bells ringing at the Salvation Army's red kettles scattered throughout the park punctuated the event's musical ambience as donations began to flow in from area residents. Missed the Red Kettle Campaign kickoff? …

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John McKay

4:44 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012

Thanks, Tom!   more ›

RealBarBQ Collecting School Supplies for Students in Need

Canton restaurant offering free dessert for donations of school supplies.

Many children look forward to arriving on the first day of school with new notebooks, backpacks, and new writing supplies, but it's a different story for children whose families cannot afford these items. RealBarBQ of Canton is helping to raise awareness and help kids in the Plymouth-Canton community who are in need, offering an incentive for the community to donate.  From Aug. 6-17, those who visit RealBarBQ at its new Canton location at 42452 Ford Road at Lilley and bring in school supplies valued at $5 or more will receive a complimentary dessert, according to a news release from the restaurant. Collected school supplies will then be given to the Salvation Army as part of its “Back to School Blitz” program - which will distribute to …

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Plymouth Whalers

Whalers' Goal: Assist in the Community

OHL set a 12-month record in donations for 2011-12

Although the Plymouth Whalers aren’t playing on the ice right now, they still find ways to connect with the community. Over the last 12 months, the Whalers and staff donated time, merchandise, and other resources to over 400 different charitable events.  That’s a team record for any given 12-month period. The donations can be something as simple as donating four tickets for a hockey team’s annual golf outing, to the donation of 35 Whalers backpacks to the Miracle League of Plymouth (for a banquet on June 30), to the Whalers' annual appearance at Wednesday’s Good Morning USA July 4 Parade in Plymouth. No matter if the donation (or event) is big or small, all elements point in a positive direction. “The truth is, we’re happy to help out,” …

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Five Things You Need to Know Sept. 10, 2011

Sept. 11 reminders, and Canton's Hazardous Waste Day,

Canton’s annual Hazardous Household Waste Day is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the township's Public Works Building, 4847 Sheldon Rd. This free service is open only to township residents. Guidelines are online. The Detroit Moose Hockey Club plays charity hockey against Ameriprise Financial at 5 tonight at Compuware Arena, 14900 N. Beck Rd., in Plymouth. The game honors those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and their families as well as serve in fire departments, police departments and the military. A slice of pizza and a soft drink will be free for the first 100 children (12 and younger) at the game. Players from both teams will also sign autographs after the game. Admission is free. The Muslim Community of Western Suburbs, 40440 …

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Family-Friendly Canton

Cultivate Charity in Our Children

Harness the spirit of the holidays to spark a child’s interest in giving.

About 2 1/2 months ago my wife and I had our second daughter, Avery, and it took no time at all for our 2-year-old, Emma, to realize she was no longer the star of the show. Prior to Avery's arrival, Emma had enjoyed all the perks and comforts of being an only child. Now found herself in uncharted territory: The land of sharing. Accustomed to being the center of attention, she was overcome with jealousy. It only lasted a few days, but my wife and I quickly realized what needed to be done. With Thanksgiving a few weeks off, and Christmas ahead, we figured the timing was perfect. We could ease Emma into her new role as a big sister and give her a primer on being charitable. Introducing her to the concept of sharing – be it blankets, toys, or …

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Sean Flynn

10:39 am on Monday, December 20, 2010

Thanks, Mary Ann! Having the power to influence my daughters in a positive way, I feel I have a responsibility to shoe them how to be as charitable as possible.   more ›