Each year 300 Pontiac families (1,278 individuals) enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings thanks to the generous support of donors and volunteers of The Baldwin Center.This year, this holiday tradition is in jeopardy.
Each Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas and at Easter The Baldwin Center gives 300 food baskets to area families who are need. Each family receives a box of non-perishable goods as well as fresh items such as milk, eggs, bread, and most importantly: a turkey. Each basket provides enough food to feed a family of four forapproximately two weeks.
As economic conditions continue to deteriorate and the cost of providing a Thanksgiving meal is predicted to go up by 6%, the annual holiday tradition of providing food for low-income families is more important than ever.
However, donations of turkeys and other food items which enable the holiday tradition to happen have slowed to a trickle. At this time in previous years, The Baldwin Center hashad 200 turkeys on hand, this year there are only 84.
According to Baldwin Center Executive Director Lisa Machesky, “we know times are incredible tough anduncertain and we are asking for people to stretch. But a turkey is a central part of every Thanksgiving celebration and we want to make sure these families with young children have access to this important Holiday tradition.”
The Baldwin Center is asking the larger community to help assist in this effort and to donate a 12-14lb turkey or the funds to purchase them. Other food items are also appreciated.
Baskets will be handed out on Tuesday, November 25th and the food is needed by Saturday November 22nd.
Please drop off turkeys at212 Baldwin Avenue, Pontiac, MI 48342, mail funds to PO Box 420700, Pontiac, MI 48342, or donate online. For more information on The Baldwin Center and its programs, please call 248.332.6101.
Campaign for Youth Launched
Baldwin has been a bright spot in many children’s lives for over 25 years. Through our after school and summer enrichment programs youth have found a safe and enriching place with adults who care.
In order to continue its commitment to Pontiac’s youth, the Baldwin Center has launched a financial Campaign for Youth that will raise $200,000 dedicated to youth programming.
The Young Foundation has issued a challenge grant for this effort, for the first $50,000 raised the Young Foundation will match every dollar raised. Help support the youth of Pontiac by contributing to the campaign today!
Help Baldwin Provide Food and Gifts for the Holidays
Baldwin is currently signing up families for its holiday giving programs.
Each year 300 low income Pontiac families with children are selected to receive Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets along with gifts from our Holiday Store. Each family will receive food items for a holiday meal along with additional food that should last for about two weeks. At Christmas each member of the household will also receive clothing and other gift items from the Holiday Store.
In order to make this happen, Baldwin needs your support. We are currently collecting donations of food and gifts. The flyers below describe the items needed. Cash donations in support of this program are also greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please call 248.332.6101 or email: baldwin@baldwincenter.org.
For all you United Methodists, The Baldwin Center has just been approved as an advance project for the
2009-2012 quadrennium. Our Advance number is 161125. You can donate directly online at the Board of Global Ministries website or through your local congregation.
Detroit Conference United Methodists can also give through Ministry Jubilee. The Ministry Jubilee number is MJ1150. The gift can also be given through your local congregation.
Federal Employees can designate Baldwin as a workplace deduction in the Combined Federal Campaign. CFC#35580.
After School Program Begins for 2008-2009 School Year
Neighborhood students in first through eight grades once again have a safe place to go after school. The Baldwin Center has restarted its after school tutoring and feeding program in its new home in the space formerly occupied by the day care center.
Students can come and get a healthy meal, help with their homework, extra tutoring and participate in enrichment activities including the NFL sponsored RECHARGE program Monday through Friday between 3 and 6 pm.
Congratulations Hayes
Hayes Jones, Baldwin Board President, was recently honored by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson at the annual Quality People, Quality County awards breakfast. Jones was one of three honorees and his work for Baldwin and the Pontiac Alumni Foundation were highlighted.
Hayes grew up and currently lives in Pontiac and is the General Manager of the SMART bus system. He is also the winner of the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Over 400 Backpacks Given to Pontiac Students
The school year started out right thanks to generous donations from a wide variety of individuals, churches and other individuals.
Baldwin was able to outfit over 400 Pontiac students with new backpacks stuffed with school supplies including folders, pencils, crayons and other items. This was an increase of 150 students from 2007. An additional 75 students were provided with uniforms, underwear, socks and other new clothing.
An outpouring of support came after an article in the Oakland Press highlighting the effort.
Thank You
As we said goodbye to summer on August 25, 89 golfers enjoyed the beautiful Paint Creek Country Club course and helped raise funds for The Baldwin Center's programs. Due to the generous support of our donors, golfers and bidders over $18,000 will be used to help ‘feed, clothe, educate and empower’ the disadvantaged people of Pontiac.
We would especially like to thank
:
Gold Sponsors – Group Associates and Franklin Bank
Silver Sponsors – TCF Bank and Astrein’s Jewelers
MARK YOUR CALENDARS- The Baldwin Center's 16th Annual Golf Classic will be June 8, 2009--see you there!
Baldwin has been a bright spot in many children’s lives for over 25 years. Through our after school and summer enrichment programs youth have found a safe and enriching place with adults who care. 
For all you United Methodists, The Baldwin Center has just been approved as an advance project for the
2009-2012 quadrennium. Our Advance number is 161125. You can donate directly online at
The school year started out right thanks to generous donations from a wide variety of individuals, churches and other individuals. 