On November 5, a fire at the Center of Charity caused extensive smoke damage throughout the entire building which means that the Friendship Room which gives meals to the needy; Children’s Closet which assists families with clothes and other needs; and Baby Pantry which assists babies through toddlers with clothing, diapers, wipes, baby food, and other needs were all affected.

Sadly, the chemicals in the smoke caused the entire building to need cleanup which means Baby Pantry and Children’s Closet may be out of service for as long as 6 months. The Friendship Room is opening much sooner as cleanup is beginning in that area.

What this means for Baby Pantry and Children’s Closet is that we cannot accept donations of clothes and other items as we cannot store them until we can reopen in the building. We have locked the drop off box until we can reenter the building.

Baby Pantry will still be open on the third Thursday of each month from 9-12 for necessities: Diapers, wipes, and baby foods. They feel a strong need to still help these young families with at the very least, the necessities. They will operate from the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church basement, across the parking lot from Center of Charity.

We are grateful for the support of our community as we get through this temporary crisis. Only monetary donations are being accepted at this time until we are operating once again.

Doris Puls

Alpena