Give 5: Join Patch, Support 21st Annual Walk for Warmth

It's time for Patch to Give 5.

Patch's Give 5 program was born out of our commitment to community service.

There are two parts to the Give 5 program. On one side, Patch gives 5 percent of its advertising space, free of charge, to local charities in the communities Patch serves. On the other side, Patch employees spend five working days each year volunteering in their communities.

On Feb. 19, Macomb Patch editor Jenny Whalen and Shelby-Utica Patch editor Marina Cracchiolo will join about 275 other Macomb County residents in the .

Last year, the walk raised some $28,000 in funds the MCCSA used to help low-income families and individuals with home heating emergencies.

“There is assistance available for utility shutoffs, but what we are able to do with Walk for Warmth is assist people that might have fallen through the cracks, who have a dire need but did not qualify for other assistance,” said Julie Kavanagh, MCCSA communications specialist. “We can use the funds raised through the Walk for Warmth to help in an emergency situation.”

Registration for the walk opens at 9 a.m. at St. Theresa of Lisieux in Shelby Township, 48115 Schoenherr. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

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

“I think (the event is) important because we all know someone who’s been affected by tough economic times,” Kavanagh said. “We all know someone who has a story of need and this really brings the community out to show they support helping people in need and assisting people in the winter.”

MCCSA not only serves the residents of Macomb, Shelby and Utica, but all Macomb County residents.

Join Patch on Feb. 19 at the Walk for Warmth and show your support for the MCCSA and all its efforts to keep our friends and neighbors warm this winter.

For more information on the walk or MCCSA, call (586) 469-6999 or visit the MCCSA website, here.