Community foundation shares Christmas ‘wish list.’

November 12, 2018

Oceana high school students tour Grand Valley State University through the “Feet on Campus” experience coordinated by Oceana CAN (College Access Network). The program is great way for a student to find the right fit and build confidence. It has been funded through the foundation wish list.

Community foundation shares Christmas ‘wish list.’

#CommunityFoundationforOceanaCounty

SHELBY – Have you ever considered giving a holiday gift to your community? Oceana County nonprofits have made a list, and you can check it twice.

As part of its philanthropy leadership, the Community Foundation for Oceana County (CFOC) annually invites area nonprofits to list projects and purchases that can only happen with the financial support from the community.

Over 81 “wishes” were submitted and can be found at 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.

“This is the fourth year that we’ve posted these wish lists, and the enthusiasm keeps going up,” said Executive Director Tammy Carey. “Nonprofits need the help more than ever, and these wishes help to cover those extra items beyond their strapped budgets. Last year, we had 15 wishes met, often by folks and even employee groups 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. One area resident told us that it reminds her of her childhood, and going through the Sears Roebuck catalog in kind of a reverse Christmas list,” said Carey.

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 its wish posted on the foundation website.

The foundation envisions an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. It receives and manages contributions from citizens and organizations and provided $834,832 in grants and scholarships in 2017. For more information about granting a wish; establishing a fund at the CFOC; or otherwise supporting it, call Carey at 231-861-8335, visit www.oceana-foundation.org/community-wish-lists, or check out www.facebook.com/oceanafoundation

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