The holiday season is about giving so 9&10 News is bringing back Choose Your Cause: a fun way to showcase local charities in our community while inviting our viewers to help answer their needs. You can give your time by volunteering, by sponsoring something or someone, by giving materials to improve someone’s situation, and by giving monetarily to an organization. Choose your cause out of one of the charities supported by our News departments this year to find the right opportunity for you to give.
Child & Family Services of NW MI
Supported by 9&10 News reporters.
Their mission: is “to support the safety and well-being of those we serve in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.”
At Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, they believe that necessities are more than food, clothing, and shelter: EVERY child deserves access to sports, recreation, music lessons, summer camp, art, birthday presents, or other things that help undo the damage caused by trauma, and help children to realize their true potential. For more than 80 years, CFS has responded to the community’s changing needs through a wide range of programs. They are dedicated to helping people of all ages overcome life’s challenges.
Items Needed:
Immediate Needs: Diapers: sizes 4-6, pull-ups 2t-3t&4t-5t; newborn and preemie clothing, wipes, diaper cream, pacifiers and bottles, cups with lids for toddlers/ young children.
Emergency Food Supplies for Teens: grocery store gift cards ($20 increments); fast food gift cards; ($10 increments), granola and protein bars; oatmeal packs snack packs; microwave meals (Uncle Ben’s Barilla, etc. – please no ramen noodles), clothing for the shelter (new) – L & XL hooded sweat shirts; pajama bottoms M, L, and XL; underwear, socks, sports bras sizes S-XL; shoe (women’s sizes 6-9 and men’s size 7-10); and personal hygiene products.
Cash donations for Angel Fund
Items can be delivered directly to
3785 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
To learn more: find out how your donations to Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan impact local youth through numerous community programs at .
Oasis Family Resource Center:
Supported by the 9&10 Evening News team.
Their mission: “To strengthen and safeguard the families of Wexford and Missaukee counties. OASIS Family Resource Center is committed to using an empowerment-based philosophy in its approach to ending domestic and sexual violence.”
The Oasis Family Resource Center provides services such as educational classes and in-help parenting support. In recent years, services expanded to include counseling for children and sexual assault survivors and support of the effort to end homelessness. Oasis Family Resource Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in the delivery of services. No family is turned away for lack of money; all counseling services are free of charge.
Items needed
For women, children, and men – gloves, boots, winter coats, socks, throw blankets, gift cards, diapers (size 6), and pull-ups (sizes 2t/3t-3t/4t).
For women only (along with the above) – p.j.’s, robes, under garments, toiletries (except dental products: they currently have plenty), and day planners/calendars.
All Donations and/or Monetary donations can be brought directly to…
Oasis Family Resource Center
118 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac
231.775.7299
To Learn More: visit to see how OASIS Family Resource Center helps shelter survivors, provide education, and protect the families, of Wexford and Missaukee counties.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan
Supported by 9&10 News Anchors
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan helps children realize their potential and build their futures by matching them with adult volunteers in fun and rewarding mentoring relationships. They serve Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties.
Items Needed
Mentors “Bigs”: Giving the gift of time and support to a child by being a “Big” can be the most rewarding and fun ways to give back this year!
Traverse City Location
900 E. Front Street
Ste. 125
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 946-2447
To learn more visit: to learn how mentorship can change lives.
The Father Fred Foundation
Supported by the 9&10 News Weather Team
The Father Fred Foundation’s mission is to help everyone who comes to Father Fred seeking assistance so that no need in the community is unfulfilled. They help individuals and families with their essential needs.
The Father Fred Foundation offers several programs to assist the community: through the Pantry which resembles a small grocery market, healthy food options are made available at no charge. Guests can shop for meat and other proteins, dairy, fresh produce, and even personal care items. In addition, our BOOST program provides an additional “boost” of food to families throughout the summer months and other times when schools aren’t in session. Other programs include Blessings in a Backpack, Pantry to Preschool, Financial Assistance, and Clothing and Household Goods – offering a variety for each customer. Guests shop in what resembles a thrift store with access to dishes, pots and pans, linens, clothing, shoes, and more. Winter coats and boots available at the start of the winter season.
Items Needed
Food for their pantry- canned chicken or tuna, oatmeal, peanut butter, rice, beans, pasta soups, and canned fruits.
Clothing- new or gently used winter items such as boots, coats, gloves, blankets, comforters, and sleeping bags.
Monetary Donations
All donations are accepted Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-2pm and Wednesday 10am-7pm.
826 Hastings
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-2055
To learn more visit:https://www.fatherfred.org/ to see how the Father Fred Foundation helps individuals and families in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Kalkaska, counties with their most pressing needs.
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