The holidays are a season of warmth, gratitude and giving — but also a reminder that many neighbors need a helping hand. Across Oakland County and surrounding communities, nonprofits are working year-round to provide food, housing, care and compassion. Whether you give your time, donate funds or contribute much-needed supplies, these organizations make it easy to share the true spirit of the season.
I Support the Girls - CSZ Drive
A few years ago, Suzi Terebelo met Dana Marlowe, founder of I Support the Girls (ISTG) — a global non-profit that provides dignity to marginalized women through bras and menstrual-hygiene products. To date, ISTG has distributed over 41 million products through 60 affiliates in six countries.
“Dana spoke of how displaced women would use cardboard and duct tape in lieu of bras, and socks as menstrual products,” says Terebelo, co-chair of the social action committee at Congregation Shaarey Zedek's Sisterhood in Southfield. She launched the CSZ Sisterhood ISTG project, working through ISTG's Detroit chapter to benefit area women and girls through 110-plus local organizations, including transitional housing centers, libraries, schools and homeless shelters.
Through Jan. 16, donate new and gently used bras plus sealed period products at Shaarey Zedek's Weisberg and Berman lobbies, CelyFit, MarioMax Salon (West Bloomfield) and Mother Handsome (Oak Park), or via Amazon wish list: https://a.co/2XSflxe. Info: shaareyzedek.org/connect/adults; sisterhood@shaareyzedek.org; (248) 357-5544, x34.
Grace Centers of Hope – Pontiac
Your gift to Grace Centers of Hope offers more than just a warm meal — it brings hope, healing and safety to men, women and children across Metro Detroit, rebuilding their lives from addiction and homelessness. Each plate served represents a step toward transformation and renewal. $2.17 provides one hot meal; $21.70 feeds 10 people; $65.10 provides 30 meals; $217 feeds 100 people. Gracecentersofhope.org.
Holiday Happiness – West Bloomfield Optimist Club
Each December, the West Bloomfield Optimist Club partners with the West Bloomfield Fire Department and local school social workers to bring “Holiday Happiness” to families in need. Through donations and volunteers, children receive new toys and winter coats, while families receive food baskets. You can support this heartwarming community effort by donating, wrapping gifts or delivering baskets. To volunteer or give, contact Dawn Capps at dcapps0213@gmail.com or visit the club’s Holiday Happiness Fundraising Campaign at westbloomfieldoptimist.org/holiday-happiness.
Lighthouse Adopt a Family Program
Lighthouse’s Adopt a Family program empowers clients to celebrate the holidays with dignity and independence. Instead of traditional wish lists, Lighthouse provides gift cards and household essentials, allowing families to choose what best fits their needs. You can help by donating $25 gift cards (Amazon, Kroger, Target, Meijer or Walmart) or new household items. Monetary donations and items from the Amazon Wish List directly support local families rebuilding stability. Visit lighthousemi.org to give. Lighthousemi.org.
Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit – Seasonal Assistance
When you find yourself in a giving mood, consider making a difference in the lives of the more than 15,000 people served by Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit (6555 W. Maple Rd, West Bloomfield). The agency offers more than 30 programs focusing on older adults, mental health and wellness, and basic needs services to eligible individuals and families living in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. This nonsectarian nonprofit relies on volunteers and donors to ensure that no one faces life's challenges alone. Whether you can offer your time — visiting homebound older adults, delivering meals, helping with administrative tasks — or make a financial contribution, your support makes a direct impact. Visit jfsdetroit.org to explore year-round volunteer and donor opportunities.
Oakland County Foster Closet – Farmington Hills
Foster children often arrive in new placements with only a few belongings. This all-volunteer nonprofit provides clothing, bedding, hygiene kits and toys — free of charge. This holiday season, take a moment to fill their closets so every child receives something new. Ccfostercloset.org.