Recently, The Ripple Effect ministry worked to make a difference in the Flint Water Crisis by delivering hundreds of cases of bottled water.
The group, which operates out of Hudsonville’s Chapel Pointe, collected more than 400 cases and a 100 gallon jugs of water which were donated to the South Baptist Church in Flint. To transport the water, the Ripple Effect was able to utilize the WKTV trailer.
There is still a need for bottled water for Flint. Recently, the city switched from area fire stations to neighborhood community centers for distribution.
The state has set up a website, helpforflint.com that under the “Take Action” button offers information on how people can help the residents of Flint. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Genesee County United Way, and the American Red Cross are accepting monetary donations.
The site also contains guidelines for water and filter donations. Catholic Charities Center for Hope, 810-232-9950, ext. 325, is accepting donations of a 100 cases of water or less. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, 810-239-4410, is accepting donations of a 100 cases of water or more.
Commercially packed water, no loose bottles, and commercially sealed gallons (or larger) bottles of water will be accepted. All donations must have an expiration date of six months or more.
Volunteer opportunities also exist. For more information, visit helpforflint.com.
Brandon Patterson is a volunteer producer at WKTV. If you have a story to share or would like to write for WKTV, email mike.dewitt@wktv.org.
