Higher Ground blanket drive

ROYAL OAK – Higher Ground, an HIV/AIDS support group, is collecting brand new blankets to donate to other HIV/AIDS groups including Camp Rainbear, a weekend camp for children and their families that are infected or affected.
"Because the community has been so good to the Higher Ground organization we want to give back to the community," said Rick Henning. "As you give you shall receive."
Henning said they need all different kinds and sizes when it comes to blankets, but maintains that they must be new. "There are a lot of places that people can get them where they are fairly inexpensive," he said. "They don't need to buy a $40 blanket. I'd rather have four at $10 than one at $40. That way I'm able to help more people."
Higher Ground is looking to collect a minimum of 500 new blankets. "As we get them we're going to distribute them right back out to these different people and agencies," Henning said. "We're looking for blankets, volunteers, and cash donations, which are tax deductible."
There are currently four drop off points for people who have blankets they want to donate: St. Johns Episcopal Church at 11 Mile and Woodward, Affirmations Lesbian Gay Community Center at 195 W. 9 Mile in Ferndale, and the Royal Oak and Southfield campuses of Oakland Community College.
Higher Ground is a support group for HIV/AIDS positive men. They meet on Mondays in Royal Oak from 7:30 to 9. Anyone interested in joining the group or finding out more about it should call Rick Henning directly at 586-427-1259 or email [email protected].
To make a cash donation, make checks payable to Higher Ground and mail to P.O. Box 351; Royal Oak, MI 48068. For more information about volunteering call Karen Costley at 248-543-5954.