Local Feet Sought to ‘Walk for Warmth’ March 2 in Clinton Township

At the height of Michigan winter, repairing a broken furnace or even paying the utility bill can be an expensive affair, and for a growing number of Macomb County residents, such costs are impossible to afford.

The Macomb County Community Services Agency’s annual Walk for Warmth is a fundraising event designed to provide financial support to eligible Macomb County families facing emergency situations just like these.

Now in its 23rd year, the 1.5 mile walk/fun run is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 2, in Clinton Township.

“Walk for Warmth funds are used to help Macomb County residents who are not eligible for other types of assistance,” said Julie Kavanagh, MCCSA community operations coordinator. “They could be just over income guidelines or have another reason that other programs cannot help them, but they still have a need.”

Proceeds raised by the walk benefit local families facing utility shut off as well as those in need of furnace repair or replacement.

Walkers are asked to collect monetary pledges prior to the walk and sponsors or donors can make monetary contributions by mail: MCCSA–Walk for Warmth, 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 10, Clinton Township, MI 48036. Checks should be made payable to MCCSA - Walk for Warmth.

Individual participants are asked to pledge a minimum of $20.

Last year, the walk raised some $27,500 in funds to help low-income families and individuals with home heating emergencies. This year’s goal is $30,000.

“In our last fiscal year, we helped over 150 families through Walk for Warmth,” Kavanagh said. “Because these funds are raised locally with the generous support of the community, we are able to help people who may not have many other options for assistance.”

Teams are asked to pre-register by calling MCCSA at 586-469-6999 or visiting the agency’s website and filling out an online form.

Individual walkers do not need to pre-register, but should complete a pledge sheet before registration the day of the walk.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and continues until the start of the walk at 10 a.m.

This year’s event will start and end at the Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center, 40730 Romeo Plank Rd. The new route includes paved sidewalks and a scenic walking path that will be cleared in the event of snow.