Community foundation offers gift giving ideas.

Hart High School student leaders participating in Grace Adventure’s GRIT training to help students grow in their “grit” – the ability to keep going after long term goals regardless of difficulties and challenges. One of 14 wishes already funded by generous donors.

Community foundation offers gift giving ideas.

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SHELBY — As part of its philanthropy leadership, the Community Foundation for Oceana County (CFOC) annually invites area nonprofits to indicate which near-term projects and purchases can only happen with the financial support from the community.

Over 59 “wishes” were submitted by nonprofits and can be found at http://www.oceana-foundation.org/community-wish-lists. The overall list is divided into those costing less than $500, $500-$1,500, and over $1,500.

Fourteen wishes have already been granted through generous people and organizations. One funded wish is Grace Adventure’s Hart High School GRIT training to help students grow in their “grit” – the ability to keep going after long term goals regardless of difficulties and challenges.

“This is the third year that we’ve posted these wish lists, and the enthusiasm keeps going up,” said Executive Director Tammy Carey. “Folks were eager and ready to respond to area needs. Even before we posted the lists up to the web site, we were receiving calls from people looking for holiday giving ideas. It’s exciting to see this platform catch the interest of so many.”

Wish List ideas span the county geographically and across interest areas – from education, recreation, environment, arts, community development, health and human services and more.

“There’s likely a wish that’s just perfect for a person looking to make a difference in their community,” noted trustee Ron Beeber. “One wonderful area resident told us she uses the wish lists as the basis for her Christmas shopping list. Families and co-workers have also come together to fulfill a wish. It’s a great ‘feel-good’ opportunity and makes a real difference to the many nonprofits and organizations operating on shoe-string budgets,” added Beeber.

Another example of a funded wish is the Pentwater Lake Association’s request for a $3,000 pilot program to harvest plants from the lake bottom and remove them floating on the surface. Learning of the wish at a Pentwater Service Club meeting, an anonymous donor granted it, saying “I’ve heard it said that a freshwater lake is like one’s body, it needs to be monitored and cared for. I’m happy to help protect one of Oceana’s wonderful lakes.”

The foundation encourages the greater community to check out the posted wish lists, and then contact the nonprofit directly to support a wish. Just let the nonprofit know that you saw it’s wish posted on the foundation website.

For more information about granting a wish, establishing a fund at the CFOC or otherwise supporting it, call Carey at 231-861-8335, visit http://www.oceana-foundation.org, or check out http://www.facebook.com/oceanafoundation.

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