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Farmworkers pick asparagus in a field outside of Hart.
– OCP file photo
PENTWATER — As summer begins, the Oceana Community Foundation launches its fourth annual donation drive for the Oceana’s Michigan Migrant Child Task Force.
The foundation is collecting donations of new hygiene items, children’s books and toys, and more to share with west Michigan’s migrant farmworkers and their families. New this year are some culturally sensitive basic food items. Each item donated directly goes to a family via the Migrant Child Task Force’s Camp Outreach events.
Oceana’s farmworker outreach effort is organized by the local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and supports migrant families facing resource insecurity. The task force estimates that around 42,700 children visit Michigan with their families as seasonal farmworkers. While working to support Oceana’s agricultural economy by harvesting local produce, some farmworkers’ young children and their families lack access to everyday necessities. The foundation is assisting DHHS by collecting in-demand items like toothbrushes, kids’ toys, shampoo, diapers and wipes and soap.
“Agriculture is an essential part of Oceana County’s economy. With the support of our migrant farmworkers who make west Michigan their temporary home, our farms can thrive,” said Oceana Community Foundation CEO Tammy Carey. “The foundation is thrilled to collaborate with our local Migrant Child Task Force for the fourth time. Our community continues to welcome and support our migrant farmworkers with each wish list, sharing their gratitude for all their hard work.”
Oceana’s Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive is taking place both online and in person. Via Facebook and the foundation’s website, participants can donate items through the task force’s Amazon wishlist at tinyurl.com/24CampOutreach. By purchasing one of the items on the wish list, donations are shipped directly to the foundation’s office. Items are delivered to families throughout the county by DHHS during their camp visits or out of their Hart office directly to clients. You can also place items in the donation box at the foundation’s office in the Pentwater Shelby State Bank building at 388 S. Hancock Street. Donations will be accepted until June 30.
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