“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” declared cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. “Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
With strings of colored lights covering downtown storefronts, folks conversing in coffee shops over steaming beverages, and evergreen wreaths hanging from every street lamp, it’s clear that a heartwarming presence exists in Mt. Pleasant this season.
Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that this kind of thing doesn’t happen by chance, and that this connected community works side-by-side to take care of the people who live here.
While the holiday season is filled with festive celebrations, thoughtful gifts, and gatherings with loved ones, it can also serve as a time to reflect on those in need and consider what could be done for others. Whether through simple acts of service or coordinated events, financial contributions or hands-on efforts, local opportunities abound for those wanting to make a difference.
To become a part of what’s happening here, use the following list for inspiration as a starting point for ways to serve. Explore the featured entities and organizations, and continue to seek those that suit your own unique interests and capabilities for giving back—this holiday season and beyond.
Feed Needs at Community Compassion Network and Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
For many families in the area, the holiday season is a time where hunger hits hardest. According to the 2012-2015 Feeding America Hunger Study, 16.6% of the population in Isabella County—approximately 11,560 people—suffer from food insecurity.
In their food and infant pantries, the
Community Compassion Network (located in the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center at 1114 W. High St. in Mt. Pleasant) provides vital support to families who might struggle to afford meals. They utilize volunteers to sort, stock, and distribute food items.
“I am involved with CCN because I believe no one should be hungry or need infant supplies, especially here in Isabella County,” says Community Compassion Network board chair, Dorine Lilly. “By volunteering my time and energy, I am able to see the need and provide some help, as well as see the kindness and generosity of all our volunteers.”
Click here for volunteer opportunities and to sign up for food distribution and shopping assistance.
The
Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, founded in 1990, has been providing free meals to the community’s most vulnerable members for over three decades. This year alone, volunteers have contributed over 4,200 hours of service and 30,000 pounds of food. In addition, generous financial support from the community has enabled them to buy a new delivery vehicle, offer free rides to and from their location through
I-Ride, and transition to compostable meal packaging.
Currently there are three ways to get involved: 1)
Volunteer to help prepare and serve meals; 2)
Make a monetary donation to support services for working families, veterans, seniors, the homeless, and others in need; and 3) Donate food (access their wish list
here).
“The Isabella Community Soup Kitchen’s mission has always been to provide a welcoming, safe space where everyone is served with dignity,” says Isabella Community Soup Kitchen’s executive director, Sarah E. Adkins. “Without the dedication and devotion of our volunteers, we would not have been able to fight food insecurity and serve our community as well as we have for the past 35 years.”
Provide Shelter with Isabella County Restoration House
The
Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) is dedicated to providing temporary shelter and empowering individuals experiencing homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency. As they prepare to move into a new facility this month, help is needed to set up new furnishings such as bunk beds and desks, as well as with the move from their current location.
“We are beyond grateful for the support of our community members,” says ICRH executive director, Dee Obrecht. “Through our capital campaign, we have been able to purchase a building without a mortgage and renovate the building without a loan.”
They are now focused on furnishing the space and creating a welcoming environment for those in need.
As they settle into the new facility, new opportunities for community involvement will emerge. ICRH plans to host group activities such as game nights, movie nights, and craft sessions for guests, as well as provide learning workshops on budgeting, resume writing, and parenting to help them become self-sufficient.
ICRH thrives through the support of
volunteers and
donations.
“As a nonprofit,” Obrecht says, “we rely on community generosity to continue providing essential services to our guests.”
Donate Funds and Supplies to Bonny’s Clean Up Crew
When Julie Lyon founded
Bonny's Clean Up Crew, the group was inspired by a simple mission: to do something nice for the community in memory of Lyon’s mother, Bonny.
From Easter Sunday to the last Sunday in October, volunteers unite to clean up trash in local parks. They typically gather for about an hour to clean up, then head to
Ponder Coffee for breakfast together. Everyone is welcome, including children.
“This year, we had a record number of volunteers,” shares Lyon. “We averaged 17 volunteers per clean-up, with people traveling from Alma, Gladwin, Midland, and even Texas to participate.”
She is excited to keep growing, aiming for the biggest turn-out yet in their upcoming fifth year.
Currently, Lyon personally funds all of the crew’s supplies, from cleanup materials to tee shirts for volunteers. For those interested in supporting their mission, donations can be made via PayPal @juliealyon29@yahoo.com or Venmo @JulieALyon29.
“It just started out as three of us picking up a local park and within a month we had 15 people show up,” Lyon muses. “I’m constantly humbled by how great our community is.”
Donate to the Toys for Tots “Cram a Cruiser” Toy Drive
Bring joy to children in need through the
Cram-a-Cruiser Drive event, a local toy drive hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). The MPPD asks community members to donate new unwrapped toys that will be distributed to local children and families in need.
“Every year our department looks forward to participating in the Toys for Tots program and helping our area youth have a good holiday,” MPPD youth services officer Josh Theisen shared in a press release. “An added bonus is witnessing the strong partnerships and commitment between community members and local businesses to make this happen for our kids.”
Donations can be dropped off on December 4 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln (1415 E. Pickard Road) or on December 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety building (804 E. High Street). Toy drop-off boxes are also located inside the Division of Public Safety building lobby (802 E. High Street) and the City Hall lobby (320 W. Broadway Street).
In addition,
Mountain Town Station and
Summit Smokehouse are offering 25% off individual meals in exchange for new, unwrapped, unopened toys from November 29 to December 16.
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Photo courtesy of HATSCare for Animals at the Humane Animal Treatment Society and Karma Kat Cafe
Animal lovers have additional ways to give back by donating or volunteering with the
Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS). This year alone, HATS has been able to assist around 1,000 homeless or lost pets by providing food, medical care, and shelter while they await adoption or reuniting with their owners.
Their health clinic also offers low-cost spay and neuter services to help combat overpopulation.
During their
Empty the Shelters event from December 1 to 17, reduced adoption fees can help more animals find loving homes.
As a 501(c)(3), HATS relies entirely on community support to continue their life-saving work.
“Every donation, volunteer hour, or adoption helps us provide care and shelter to animals in need,” says HATS community involvement coordinator, Ashleigh Steelman.
“Community involvement is the backbone of our efforts,” Steelman adds. “It’s what enables us to make a difference and improve the lives of both pets and people in our area.”
Donations can be made directly on
the HATS website or by purchasing items from their
wish list to support daily operations.
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Photo courtesy Mystie Beckwith of Karma Kat CafeAnother way to care for animals this season is to
volunteer and/or purchase
wish list items for Karma Kat Cafe. After assisting with tasks like cleaning, sterilizing surfaces, sweeping, mopping, and scooping litter, participants may stay afterward to play with the cats. The volunteer program plays a critical role in the rescue and rehabilitation of street cats, many of which receive medical care.
Karma Kat Cafe relies on community involvement through volunteering, donations, and fostering to continue its life-saving mission, and will soon expand their outreach with the addition of a therapeutic feline visitation program.
"Saving lives, one cat at a time" is more than just a motto—it's the heart of their work.
“Simply put,” says founder, Mystie Beckwith, “we could not exist without the support of our local community. The more people we reach, the more cats we save.”
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Photo courtesy Kim FriedrichLend a Helping Hand with Habitat for Humanity
This December,
Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County offers unique opportunities to give back through time, treasure, or talent. Individuals and small groups can
volunteer at the ReStore or assist with construction projects, depending on availability. Volunteers are also needed for board positions and committees.
Donations can be made online or by mailing checks to 201 E. Pickard St. (Please be aware that mail solicitations from Habitat International are not connected to the local affiliate.)
The organization has seen tremendous support this year, with community members volunteering for tasks like demolition, painting, and landscaping at 1102 Lyons St.
Volunteers also help achieve the organization’s mission of “bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope” by serving on boards and committees. Contributions through volunteering, shopping at the ReStore, and donating funds and materials have also been vital to their success.
“Community involvement is crucial to our organization, and we have a small but mighty staff,” says Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County’s executive director, Kim Friedrich. “We are tremendously grateful!”
She adds that they hope to increase impact in the community by serving more families with home repairs and assistance with becoming first time homeowners.
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Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Area Community FoundationEstablish or Contribute to an Endowment with the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
A lasting way to give back this holiday season is by contributing to
endowment funds through the
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. These funds support long-term initiatives that benefit the entire community, from student scholarships to grants for local nonprofits.
“Most of our funds are permanently endowed, meaning these gifts are never spent,” explains the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s CEO/COO, Liz Conway. “The interest they earn, however, funds dozens of grants each year to local nonprofits, improving lives and communities across Isabella County.”
Donations can be made to support a specific cause, benefit an individual organization, contribute to a scholarship fund, or provide flexible assistance for community needs.
This year, the Foundation’s Community Leadership Committee made local childcare a priority.
Isabella County has just one infant childcare spot for every six infants needing care, exceeding the one-to-three ratio to be considered a childcare desert.
The Hope Childcare Center at Mt. Pleasant’s First United Methodist Church received two MPACF grants totaling $20,200 to help cover construction and start-up costs, providing a much-needed resource for families and taking a major step toward alleviating the childcare crisis in our community.
Contributing to an endowment can be a meaningful way to make a lasting impact, whether as a one-time gift or through a planned contribution.
“Donations made to the Community Foundation will improve the quality of life for Isabella County residents now and for generations to come,” Conway adds.
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Courtney Jerome/EpicenterBring Cheer to Seniors at The Commission on Aging
The Isabella County Commission on Aging (COA) offers
a variety of programs aimed at assisting older adults, from meal delivery to social activities. Volunteers play an essential role in making sure seniors in the area remain connected and supported during the holidays.
“Collectively, volunteers served well over 33,000 hours and drove over 99,000 miles this year to provide services for clients throughout Isabella County,” says Kelly Lee, manager of the Gold Key Volunteer Program for the Commission. “Volunteering in any way at the COA will ensure more older adults get the help they need.”
This year the COA will host their annual Christmas Lunch on Thursday, December 19.
“Holiday celebrations typically bring in a larger crowd,” says Lee. “But we certainly accept volunteers on any day to help carry trays, clean up, and just bring joy to participants!”
In the upcoming year, Lee says they would love to see more organizations helping out as a group to deliver meals to older adults in the county.
“The routes typically take a couple hours, and we would recommend sending two team members to tag-team the route,” Lee says. “This is quite an enjoyable opportunity to give back to your fellow residents and also get a glimpse of what the Commission on Aging does for our communities.”
Spread Cheer Through Random Acts of Kindness
Sometimes the simplest ways of giving back can have the most profound impact. During the hustle and bustle of the season, taking a moment to perform a random act of kindness—whether it's paying for a stranger’s meal, shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, or helping someone carry their groceries—can make a big difference.
Plus, giving doesn’t always have to come with a price tag. It can be as simple as offering a smile, lending a hand, or just being there for someone who needs it.
This holiday season, remember that the true spirit of giving extends beyond individuals’ homes and families. Mt. Pleasant offers many opportunities to make a meaningful impact, and coming together as a community can ensure that this holiday season is bright for everyone.
Other opportunities:
Support Victims of Domestic Violence with R.I.S.E. Advocacy
25 Days of Giving Holiday Raffle (
View the full calendar of prizes here)
Nominate a friend or family member that needs a little light this holiday season for Isabella Bank’s Making Spirits Bright $500 Giveaway
Donate Winter Coats and Warm Clothing for the Wabshkwaa Makwa Kwe Asigin (White Bear Woman Gathers) Annual Coat Drive
Nominate an Exceptional Teacher, Administrator, Volunteer, or Mentor for CFX Golden Apple Award
Purchase a Holiday Gift Box for Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club’s Paul Siers Legacy Fundraiser
Shop Downtown to
Cross Gifts Off Your Gift While Supporting the Local Economy
Links to businesses, organizations, and other service-based entities in the community:
Bonny's Clean Up Crew
Clothing INC
Community Compassion Network
Gold Key Volunteer Program
Habitat for Humanity
Humane Animal Treatment Society
Isabella County Restoration House
Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
Karma Kat Cafe
Life Choices of Central Michigan
Meet MP Main Volunteer Page
Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
Mt. Pleasant Jaycees
Mt. Pleasant Police Department Youth Services Cram-a-Cruiser Toy Drive
R.I.S.E. Advocacy
United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties