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Local Organizations Emphasize Giving, Not Getting This Holiday Season

BY BTL STAFF

The Between The Lines Holiday Gift Guide is full of the best entertainment ideas and the hottest gift ideas for the LGBT community, thanks to the many advertisers who support the publication. But, it is also important to recognize that the idea of giving gifts this year might be challenging when the election cycle has left some friends and families battered. Many local organizations will provide the opportunity for members of the community to come together over a holiday meal together or simply give the gift of their time and love to help others in need.

TLGB Thanksgiving Dinner
On Nov. 24 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., all TLGB individuals are invited to Affirmations at 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale to see some of their family from the community as well as those that have no one else to spend Thanksgiving with. The Gender-Identity Network Alliance will host this potluck event. Turkey will be provided. Feel free to bring a dish to pass. For more information, visit the Affirmations Facebook page.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The First Congregational Church at 145 Capital Ave. in Battle Creek invites the LGBTQA community for a complete Thanksgiving meal with all the sides and trimmings, plus the opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and chosen family. Battle Creek Pride's Fifth Annual event happens on Nov. 25 from 5-8 p.m. Check out their website for more information.
Save the Date for #GivingTuesday
After the excesses of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Transgender Michigan offers their community a chance to show their gratitude by participating in #GivingTuesday. On Nov. 29, support the nonprofit organization with a tax-deductible contribution online at www.networkforgood.com. Transgender Michigan is able to continue working to ensure that transgender individuals and families in the state can live openly without fear of discrimination because of their generous supporters.
Ruth Ellis Center Bowling Fundraiser
The Ruth Ellis Center will host their Fifth Annual Bowling Fundraiser on Dec. 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Hartfield Lanes at 3490 12 Mile Road in Berkley. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door and $25 for students. Compete in the ugly holiday sweater competition, 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Pizza and pop will be provided. Contact Amy Flory at 248-321-3635 for more details or visit the organizations online http://www.ruthelliscenter.org.
Capuchin School Night Out
For young adults, ages 21-35, looking for an opportunity to give back to those in need, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen invites them to their Second Annual Capuchin School Night Out event on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Brew Detroit at 1401 Abbott St. in Detroit. CSK consists of its Meldrum and Conner kitchen and dining room sites, Capuchin Services Center, Rosa Parks Children & Youth program, Earthworks Urban Farm, On the Rise Bakery, and Jefferson House.
Network with friends over heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and a brewery tour. Enjoy a night of mingling with like-minded young adults and learn how to support CSK. Advance tickets are $50. Call Erica at 313-579-2100 ext. 170 with questions. Proceeds benefit CSK. For more information, visit the organization online at www.cskdetroit.org.
FtM Detroit Potluck Dinner
This community-based group made by and for transmasculine identified people in the greater Detroit and Southeast Michigan area invites members of the community to celebrate a belated turkey day with them. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to pass and they will supply the turkey on Nov. 27 from 6-10 p.m. at 313 W. Webster in Ferndale. Check them out at www.facebook.com/FtMDetroit/ or email them at [email protected].
Holiday Candlelight Meeting and Potluck Social
The Rochester Sunday Night Al-Anon Family Group will gather on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. for a potluck dinner followed by a candlelight meeting at 8 p.m. Please bring a small dish to pass at the First Congregational Church at 1315 N. Pine St. in Rochester.
Food Gatherers' Rockin' for the Hungry
Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 kicks off Washtenaw County's largest food and fund drive through Dec. 4. Non-perishable foods will be accepted at any Kroger location in Washtenaw County. For more information, visit www.foodgatherers.org/donate or call 734-761-2796.
Al-Anon Gratitude Meeting
Share what your Al-Anon program has given to you and why you're grateful at St. Margaret's Church at 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase a Michigan-themed holiday card
The Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park recently unveiled their Michigan-themed holiday cards to benefit the organization. Options include: a brand new "Happy, Healthy Christmas" design, which reinforces FH's focus on fresh food rescue; the popular "Michigan Mitten" and "Motor City" cards, designed by Matt LeBarre Illustration; and the "Detroit Holiday Spirit" card, designed by Detroit Free Press cartoonist Mike Thompson. Last year, holiday card purchases helped FH provide over 100,000 meals to the hungry. Cards are available for a donation of $28 (in packs of 20) and can be purchased by contacting Nicky Heins at 248-268-7521.
Hunger Free in the D

Now through Nov. 21, Forgotten Harvest is one of three charities benefiting from the Hunger Free in the D program sponsored for the third year by the Celani Family Foundation. Every donation dollar, up to $50,000, will be matched dollar-for-dollar. On Nov. 21, from 6-9 a.m., WJR's Paul W. Smith will be broadcasting live from Motor City Harley-Davidson in support of the campaign. Donations can be made at www.forgottenharvest.org or by calling 888-332-7140.
Busch's Fresh Food Market
Help Forgotten Harvest feed the hungry in its Season of Sharing holiday food drive now through Nov. 23. Shoppers can purchase a $10 pre-made "Ready to Go" food donation bag filled with items that will be given to a family in need; purchase gift cards ($10 for meats; $5 for produce); make a donation of any amount at the register; and donate bottle return slips. Busch's Fresh Food Markets participating include the Farmington Hills, Livonia, Novi, Plymouth/Northville, Rochester Hills, South Lyon and West Bloomfield locations.
Holiday Meal
The Shine Light in Darkness holiday meal event will provide 5,000 meals to the hungry right in time for Christmas. Volunteers, coordinated through Forgotten Harvest partner Congregation Shaarey Zedek, will pack meals on Dec. 23 and deliver that day and Christmas Day. For more information, contact Jessica Ayoub at 248-268-7522.

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