ALPENA — First Federal of Northern Michigan Legacy Foundation has announced its fourth quarter grant recipients, which include Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan, Top of Michigan Trails Council, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 583.

Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan

receives $500

FFNM Legacy Foundation presented a $500 grant to Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan, Inc. as one of their fourth quarter grant recipients. The $500 will be used in their Aging in Place Program to construct an accessibility ramp for disabled veterans.

Habitat for Humanity was founding in 1989 and covers Alcona, Alpena, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties. They are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the areas they serve through the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of homes based on the conviction that everyone should have a simple and affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Habitat for Humanity has completed 69 home repair projects costing close to $300,000 to help low-income homeowners have a safe environment to live and to preserve their dignity. The majority of these projects have been completed for senior citizens and veterans.

Habitat for Humanity is a certified Aging in Place provider. Aging in Place is a nationwide movement that enables seniors to age safely in their homes. As a provider, Habitat for Humanity partners with other community organizations to provide community-based products and services that foster safe, livable homes and communities that improve the quality of life for older adults. Habitat for Humanity assesses home repair needs and facilitates the completion of approved projects.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan, the Aging in Place Program, or how you can get involved, visit the Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan Facebook page, their website at www.habitatnemi.org, or call 989-354-5555.

Top of Michigan Trails Council receives $1,289

FFNM Legacy Foundation presented a $1,289 grant to Top of Michigan Trails Council as one of their fourth quarter grant recipients. The $1,289 will be used toward the design and manufacture of a historical marker for the “town” of Bolton in Maple Ridge Township. The marker will summarize the history of Bolton which, at one time, had a population of 250 people. It will be located at the intersection of the Northeastern State Trail and Bolton Road; next to a bench that was gifted by the Alpena Lions Club and Trails Council.

The Trails Council was formed in 1995 with the mission “to advocate for and facilitate the development and maintenance of a safe, multi-use, year-round recreational trail system in Northern Michigan; and to promote the maintenance and use of these trails for the benefit of all.”

Since its inception, the trail system in Northern Michigan has grown to over 300 miles and includes the 70-mile Northeastern State Trail that extends from Alpena to Cheboygan. They work closely with the Department of Natural Resources who approve and maintain the amenities they install along the trails. In addition to trail markers and benches, the Trails Council has installed air pumps, bicycle work stations, restrooms, kiosks, maps, historical and directional markers. These additions to the trails enhance the experience of the walkers, snowmobilers, skiers, cyclists, equestrians, and others that use the trails and help to draw tourism to Northern Michigan.

The Trails Council has identified a number of locations along the Northeastern State Trail in Alpena and Presque Isle Counties for additional amenities. If you are interested in learning more about the Trails Council, would like to make a donation or find out how you can volunteer, check out their Top of Michigan Trails Council Facebook page, visit their website www.trailscouncil.org, or call 231-348-8280.

Vietnam Veterans

583 receives $2,000

FFNM Legacy Foundation presented a $2,000 grant to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 583 as one of their fourth quarter grant recipients. The $2,000 will be used to purchase food and toys for their Operation Holidays program.

The Vietnam Veterans have been providing advocacy and assistance to Vietnam Veterans and their families in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties for 29 years. Each year, their Operation Holidays program strives to bring holiday cheer to approximately 800 families who are struggling financially by providing food for Thanksgiving and toys for over 2,000 children at Christmas.

The Operation Holidays program is 100% dependent on generous donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals. Donations for the program are accepted throughout the year. To find out more about the Vietnam Veterans Operation Holidays program and how you can support them, contact Wayne Trapp or Tammy Kish at 989-657-5543.

About the FFNM

Legacy Foundation

Headquartered in Alpena, the FFNM Legacy Foundation is a dedicated to serving community activities and nonprofit organizations in the Greater Alanson, Cheboygan, Gaylord, Lewiston, Oscoda, Mio, and Alpena areas. The FFNM Legacy Foundation welcomes your grant application for consideration at its quarterly meeting. Visit https://www.ffnmlegacyfoundation.com.