Manchester Family Service sees changes for the Christmas season

Food gatherers delivery to Manchester Family Services. (Mirror file photo)

submitted by Mary Sue Moore, Manchester Family Service

Manchester Family Service, Inc (MFS) exists to provide aid to many families and individuals in the community. As the holiday season approaches, we seek ways to brighten their lives through our annual Christmas projects. This year, as many other programs have experienced, there has been a MAJOR CHANGE to the projects from the past.

We will not be holding our annual “Christmas Shop” due to health concerns & complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Therefore, we will not have any way to distribute gifts, groceries, warm clothing, toys, etc. that you may already have been acquiring However, our popular “Christmas Adopt-A-Family” project will continue. Organizations, local businesses, and families or individuals that wish to enter into the spirit of giving may purchase gifts for one of our seniors, singles, couples and/or families who have indicated that they would like to be adopted. Information on gender, age, and gift ideas for each individual, as well as a suggested range of spending, is available. Gifts should not be wrapped. If you wish to take part in this project by adopting a family, contact: John Sahakian at 734-428-7183 or email, manchesterfamilyservice@gmail.com. To adopt a senior, single or couple,
Contact Marlene Uphaus at 734-341-7170 or email, muphaus@aol.com

These gifts can be brought to the School Board meeting room at the Riverside Intermediate School, 710 E. Main St., on Thursday and Friday, December 17 & 18 between the hours of 4-7 pm. The School Board meeting room is on the west side of the building, just south and west of the gym. The outside door is on the west side of the building facing the driveway that goes to the rear parking lot. Signage will be available to direct you.

Donations of money are used for our monthly Food Gatherers Days’ expenses, costs associated with purchasing gift cards at various times of the year, as well as emergency assistance for rent and utilities. You may send your donations to Manchester Family Service Attention: John Sahakian, Treasurer, P.O. Box 471, Manchester, MI 48158.

For income tax purposes, all donated items to Manchester Family Service can be considered tax exempt to the extent of the law. MFS, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and an equal opportunity provider.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.