30 Days of Giving, Day 16: Operation: Kid Equip

This is part of a 30-day series of ways Patch community members can give back this holiday season. We hope you'll take part in this 30 Days of Giving and take the spirit beyond the holidays, because there truly is need all year long.

Lend a hand to school children

Help make sure kids throughout southeastern Michigan have the tools they need to be successful in school with Michigan Friends of Education's Operation: Kid Equip. According to Menachem Kniespeck, president and CEO of the nonprofit, Operation: Kid Equip provides students with everything from school supplies, books, hygiene items, winter wear and snacks year-round.

"I think that we’re giving kids a tremendous opportunity to be active in their education, by giving them tools; the things they need to get them through the school day," Kniespeck said.

Though Operation: Kid Equip is always searching for donated school supplies, Kniespeck said during the holiday season, the nonprofit is hoping for monetary donations.

"Because of our procurement power, every $1 received is the equivalent of $20 in school supplies," Kniespeck said.

Right now, the non-profit is raising money for an "Elf Tour," during which 10 classes in need throughout Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties will receive a visit from the non-profit's special elves, with each student per class receiving one wrapped gift.

Kniespeck said the non-profit hopes to offer even more with the Elf Tour this year, but they still need to reach their fundraising goal of $2,500 to do so. Right now, the Elf Tour has raised about $1,600 and will be collecting money until Dec. 15.

"The reason why the Elf Tour continues is because there are so many (kids) suffering from poverty and there are a number of kids we hear about that already know they’re not getting anything for Christmas," Kniespeck said.

Though Kniespeck noted monetary donations is the nonprofit's goal right now, if anyone has new toys to donate, they would gladly accept the donations. Toys can be dropped off at the Operation: Kid Equip teachers' annex at 1830 Stephenson Hwy, Suite B in Troy. To donate money visit the non-profit's website at www.operationkidequip.org.

A full list of the previous 30 Days of Giving features is available here.

Do you have an idea for the 30 Days of Giving? Send your idea to Editor Art Aisner at Art.Aisner@patch.com.