Our mission...to provide clothing, bedding and small household items, at no cost, to support families in need and to advocate with them for their independence and self-suffiency.
As we follow our mission, our volunteer Board of Directors constantly and carefully considers what we do, whom we serve, and what we re-distribute from the donations. We make certain that the activities of the Charitable Union have an impact that is integral to the economic life of greater Battle Creek.
We serve those who live at or below the federal poverty guidelines throughout Calhoun County. We distribute close to 500,000 items each year to over 9,000 children, their families and single adults. Services include distributing career clothes for job seekers, steel-toed boots to workers, and clothing, bedding and small household items to victims of disasters.
Our mission is growing in importance as families struggle to survive the worsening economy. The numbers of children and adults we serve increased 107% since 2003; the numbers of items we collect and distribute grew 87% during that same period.
We hope you will check out our web pages that follow and learn more about the Charitable Union and its constancy of purpose since 1887.
Kingpin Named
Bobby Guy of Your Country Win 98.5 Radio station was named this year’s KINGPIN for his support on the 2nd Annual Charitable Union Bowl-a-thon held April 25. On May 12, Bobby was presented with his own Kingpin Trophy.
Volunteers Honored
One of the life-blood forces of Charitable Union is the group of wonderful volunteers that give so much of their time and talent. On Thursday afternoon, Charitable Union honored their volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Day. The event was held at the First United Methodist Church where the festivities included special music by the group "By Chance Musical Quartet", sundaes and the award presentations.
Current Needs
Charitable Union is getting ready to give out back-to-school clothes during the month of August. Each outfit includes: new underwear, socks, a shirt and pants for school aged children.
We are in need of the following items to help make up these packets:
- T-shirts (all sizes)
- Underpants (all sizes)
- Socks (all sizes)
We are also in need of new jeans or shorts and tops for both boys and girls
The Charitable Union’s Annual Report
The Charitable Union has maintained its mission of helping children and families in need through many economic cycles. Clients receive benefits from a wide range of services all free of charge. Through prosperous and more challenging times the agency is fueled by passionate volunteers who give of their time, talents and money.
Our central effort is to ensure that school children have clothing, shoes, socks, coats and a blanket for their bed. Twice a year school packets are give out which include new underwear and socks, new or gently used pants, shirts, dresses or skirts.
