By BTL Staff
ROYAL OAK – Higher Ground, an HIV/AIDS support group based in Royal Oak, is warming up the community again this year with its Blankets for AIDS Drive.
Now in its third year, Blankets for AIDS is Higher Ground's annual effort to help individuals, children, and families affected by HIV/AIDS throughout the Detroit area. Higher Ground is asking the community to donate new blankets for people living with HIV/AIDS in shelters, hospices, and group homes who struggle to make ends meet and to keep winter's chill at bay.
"We need the help of the community this year more than ever," said Rick Henning, co-founder of Higher Ground. "With the economy being what it is, and with so many other events world-wide competing for donations, Higher Ground wants to make sure our folks here in Detroit are not forgotten."
Higher Ground has high hopes for this year's effort. The group received a much-needed jump-start after it received a donation of new blankets from Steppin' Out/AIDS Walk Detroit, but Henning says much more is needed. The group hopes to deliver over 2,000 blankets to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center on Nine Mile Road in Ferndale and St. John's Episcopal Church at Eleven Mile and Woodward have once again agreed to serve as drop off points for those who want to donate new blankets for this year's drive. "For many years running now, Affirmations is proud to be able to offer a collection space for Higher Ground in support of those living with HIV/AIDS," said Leslie Ann Thompson, executive director of Affirmations.
Higher Ground will also accept cash donations during the Blankets for AIDS Drive, all of which will be used to purchase of new blankets. Donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to Higher Ground and mailed to P.O. Box 351, Royal Oak, Michigan 48068. For more information on Higher Ground's 2005 Blankets for AIDS Drive, contact Karen Costley at 248-543-5954 or 248-854-4802, or Rick Henning at 586-427-1259.
