Welcome to our social impact series, called “Five Questions.” On the first day of every month, we will share five questions with a community organization serving children and youth in Jackson County. We hope to inspire you, enlighten you, and connect you with community organizations should you ever need assistance. By sharing this with you, we hope that together we can be inspired to take action to improve our communities!
I first heard about Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community after seeing some posts from their group pop-up on Facebook. I quickly followed their page after seeing all of the amazing events and good they do for the community. My learning continued this summer through articles written about Founder Brenda Hughes after local artist Evan Struck painted an amazing mural on their building.
As the face of the organization, Brenda shares her can-do attitude and positive affirmations through the group’s social media pages. She is always sharing gratitude for the donations they receive and is just such a positive force in the community. I knew that Brenda and Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community were a perfect fit for our “Five Questions” series, and I’m so pleased to share more about this organization with you. Keep reading to learn more about Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community.
Five Questions with Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community
1. Tell us about Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community and the mission of your organization.
We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our founder and staff provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using data-driven models, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. That ensures no person or family will go hungry or without basic needs. Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community has weekly programs and yearly events. Every week we provide basic need items, baby items, clothing, and food. Each year we host multiple events such as our easter program & basket giveaway, back to school event & backpack program, movie events, Laugh Away Depression event, Halloween event, Summer Blast event, Thanks For Giving Thanksgiving Program, Christmas With Love Program, Pop Up We Care and much more.
2. What made you decide to start up your organization and how long have you been present in the Jackson community?
As a child I watched my mom working two jobs struggling and having to choose to put food on the table or to pay bills. I told my mom one day I am going to make a difference. So I started volunteering at the Interfaith Shelter in 1991. In 2009 I knew I needed to do more, so I founded Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community. I started by getting clothing donations from friends and family. I would wash them, dry them and allow the people in need to come to my house. After 10 years I knew I could do so much more so I obtained my 501(3)(c) in 2019.
3. What types of donations do you accept? What items do you find you need the most?
I take nonperishable food items, lightly used clothing, new socks, and new undergarments. I am currently accepting Christmas donations for my Christmas With Love Program, such as stockings, stocking stuffers, and Christmas presents.
4. Tell us a little bit about the ways you specifically support children in Jackson County.
We at Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community host multiple events to ensure the children of our community know we care and that they do not go without. We provide a safe environment for the children to have fun and enjoy themselves and be at peace. Some of our kids’ programs and events are our Easter event & basket giveaway, movie nights, back to school event & backpack giveaway, summer blast, Laugh Away Depression, Christmas with Love event & present giveaway.
5. How can someone in need go about receiving items from you?
If anyone is in need they can come by the office (see address below). We turn no one away at Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community.
Bonus question: What is your favorite kid-friendly place to visit in Jackson County?
My favorite kid-friendly place in Jackson is Allskate and Ella sharp museum.
Jackson Michigan Giving Back to the Community is located at 1003 Clinton Rd, Jackson Michigan 49202. You can find them on Facebook and at https://jacksonmichigangivingback.org/. Please consider donating to this amazing organization!