YouthBuild Students Get Gifts From Christmas Angels
As a records clerk at the Northwest Michigan Works! Support Services office, Michelle Goetz is used to doing paper work. But just before Christmas her paperwork at the office included wrapping paper and gift bags. That's because Goetz volunteers for WTCM radio's Paper Angels Christmas Giving Program that benefits Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. This year, Goetz helped all the YouthBuild Northwest participants sign up for the Paper Angels program.
"For many of our YouthBuild students Santa wasn't going to come," said Goetz. "I can't solve the big problems, but I can make sure that Santa comes."
The YouthBuild participants filled out wish lists and then Paper Angel Program supporters bought the gifts, which ranged from coats and boots to tools and gas cards.
Northwest Michigan Works! staff sorted and wrapped the gifts and passed them along to the YouthBuild students.
"For some of them it's been a long time since they knew someone cared about them," said Goetz. "This is just a small indication that yes, there are people in the community who care about them."
The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix