Latest News

This Season—See How You Can Give Back to Local Organizations

November 11, 2021

Before our minds get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the approaching holiday season, our team at Norfolk Homes wanted to take a moment to share with you some of the incredible local organizations around our communities that never rest in helping those around them. Read on to see how you can contribute in your hometown during this season of giving. 

Ann Arbor 

The city of Ann Arbor has plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer your time or give a monetary donation at various local organizations. One of those organizations is Reinhart Realtors. Throughout the month of November, Reinhart Realtors is hosting their annual coat drive where you can bring in new or gently used winter coats to be distributed to local organizations and given to those in need this winter season. 

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is another local organization to look into this season. The center focuses on how to end homelessness in the area and strives to give those struggling in the community the help and support that they need to get back on their feet. Either through monetary donations, clothing and home item donations or through volunteering at the shelter, everything is appreciated. 

The upcoming Christmas season is a time filled with joy and wonder, and the Toys for Tots center in Ypsilanti is an amazing organization to work with in order to give back during this time. Whether you’re able to make a one time payment or a recurring monthly donation, every little amount helps to bring a smile to a child’s face on Christmas morning and beyond.

Dexter

In the heart of the city of Dexter, Michigan the Faith in Action Food Pantry serves people within the Chelsea and Dexter school districts— aiding families who need additional food, clothing, household goods and also providing counseling, preschool scholarship programs, back to school funding and more to assist those in the community. With the upcoming holiday season in mind, you can donate your time on Thanksgiving and Christmas by helping with the free holiday meals the center helps provide.

Saline

The Saline Area Social Service also helps feed those in the community by offering volunteer opportunities and accepting food donations, and in the coming days, they will once again be hosting their annual food drive. Starting on November 15 and going until November 28, you’ll be able to give a donation at Busch’s Fresh Food Market in a number of ways. You can purchase a pre-made food donation bag that will be given to a family in need in the community, you can make a donation of any size at the Busch’s cash register upon checkout, you can purchase a $5 produce gift card or a $10 meat gift card or you can simply donate bottle return slips that you might have—every donation is meaningful and appreciated. 

Jackson

Looking at the city of Jackson, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to help those around you. If you’re searching for a constant way to help the children of Jackson County, the local Big Brothers Big Sisters club is a great place to devote your time. Becoming a big brother or big sister to a child in your community helps ensure that they gain a relationship with someone who truly wants to make a difference in their lives for the better. 

The Jackson Interfaith Shelter is another amazing organization in the community that provides temporary housing and additional resources to those experiencing homelessness and poverty around the area. This Christmas season, the shelter is holding a Christmas Adoption program where you can put your name in to “adopt” one or more persons to provide them with gifts on Christmas morning. 

Jackson is also the home of SOAR Cafe & Farms, a non-profit organization that provides housing, job opportunities and healing to those who are survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse and trauma. See how you can volunteer, or take a look through the organization's store where you can purchase a #LoveRises candle, cookbook and more, and your proceeds will go toward furthering their incredible work within the community. 

Chelsea

There are also great opportunities to give back within the city of Chelsea, Michigan. South of town lies the Barn Sanctuary where workers and volunteers help rescue and take care of abused and neglected farm animals. By making a one time donation or choosing an animal to sponsor monthly, you’ll be giving them the chance at a full and happy life. The organization also welcomes school field trips and other visitors to come interact with the animals and hear about their heartwarming rescue stories. 

Chelsea also has a great opportunity for you to bring a smile to a group of residents in the city at the Silver Maples of Chelsea retirement community. Taking time out of your busy schedule, especially around the holidays to help decorate the retirement home for each season, go for walks with the residents or simply spend an afternoon in great conversations can make all the difference in someone’s day. 

This is the season of giving—a time when we can truly take a step back and appreciate all that we have, and we hope that this list has given you an idea of how you can help those in your community. At Norfolk Homes, we are proud to build homes within these incredible communities that care deeply for their residents, and we hope that you and your family have an amazing holiday season.

We moved over here from the other side of the state and used Norfolk to build our home. This is the 3rd home we have built. They are so awesome. Quality construction with exceptional service. They are with you from the beginning to the end. The staff is wonderful, very helpful and friendly. I would for sure use them again and again!!!

Ginger