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Community Corner

30 Days of Giving, Day 8: South Oakland Shelter

Winter and professional clothing, new toys and more are currently being sought by South Oakland Shelter.

 

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.

Pass on warm weather, professional apparel

If you just recently revamped your wardrobe or have been looking for a place to donate that nice winter jacket or suit you no longer use, consider taking it to the South Oakland Shelter (SOS).

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SOS is a Lathrup Village-based organization that helps adults get back on their feet after homelessness. The shelter rotates between nearly 70 congregations of various faiths in Oakland County throughout the year, providing participants a place to stay overnight and a meal in the morning. According to Elisabeth Mirer, director of development for SOS, they are always looking for professional and seasonal clothing donations.

“Especially outerwear this time of year — boots, coats, scarves, gloves — a lot of our clients are out walking during the day,” Mirer said.

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Though many of SOS’s clients walk, monetary donations are greatly appreciated as well, allowing the shelter to purchase bus passes for those in need.

“This is definitely the time of year that we’re looking to increase our financial donations,” Mirer said. “As it gets colder we need to be able to up our number of bus passes.”

Since many people who pass through the shelter have families, there are nearly 30 families that SOS is adopting out this season. According to Mirer there are still a few families that need to be adopted. New toy donations are welcome through Dec. 16 as well. Mirer noted that educational toys make great gifts, gifts that people in the program regularly appreciate.

If you would rather volunteer, there are opportunities at SOS for that as well. Mirer noted there is plenty of stuff around the office to do, such as wrapping presents, and they are in need of volunteers to teach classes in general computer skills and other life skills. For more information on how to donate or volunteer for SOS, visit www.southoaklandshelter.org or call 248-809-3773.

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