Tecumseh Service Club details support in 2013

The Tecumseh Service Club recently issued its 2013 financial report, noting total donations for the year were $48,258.40. Expenses for the year totaled $41,730.62, down approximately $5,600 due to the generosity of the community and funding from United Way that helps club members serve those in need.“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the assistance of our community,” said Colleen Sunderland, who coordinates the annual Christmas adoption program. “Our community has come forth again this year with many generous donations.”During this year’s holiday season, the Tecumseh Service Club provided food and gift baskets for 161 families, including 376 children. Of those, 157 families were adopted in varying degrees and Sunderland said the fact that others in the community adopted most of the families greatly aids the goals of the group.“There were only four families that the club had to provide for after families were adopted this year, where in the past, we typically had to shop for 20 or more families,” Sunderland said. “Even then, all we had to pick up were a few clothing items because Toys for Tots donations took care of many of the gifts.”Each family received over $150 worth of food, while each child received one new complete outfit, pajamas, socks, hat and mittens and several new toys. The Tecumseh District Library provided a new book for each child through its “Gift of Reading” donation program. This year, that effort brought in 287 items including books, toys, puzzles and posters, $400 in donations, and a $500 anonymous gift.Total holiday expenses for the Tecumseh Service Club were $11,936.37. A total of 53 gift certificates were purchased from Jerry’s Market for a total of $2,084 that went to area senior citizens and small households without school-aged children to enable them to shop for special dietary needs.The local families that receive assistance are identified through referrals from Associated Charities, churches, area schools, social services, individuals in the community and the club’s past services. About half of the families signed up during an enrollment held at the Tecumseh United Methodist Church on November 2. Sunderland said in addition to adoptions and donations, the Tecumseh Service Club received help, as in past years, from such groups as youths from Boysville, the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club, among others. The Club works from the Tecumseh United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge on Bishop Reed Drive, where families could drive up and obtain their food boxes.“We also had a set-up like a little store where people could obtain donated items they might need,” said Sunderland. “We collect used items just before Christmas for them and families can select items when they are picking up their food and gifts.”The Tecumseh Service Club also assists families in need year-round with emergency needs and a food pantry at St. Elizabeth’s church. Other groups and individuals in the community help keep the food bank stocked. The group began in 1932.