Dear Friends,

Mark your calendars; Giving Tuesday is coming early this year! On May 5th, Community Action Network is joining nonprofits across the globe to participate in Giving Tuesday Now, a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Food security has been a top priority for CAN, and we fully expect our food programs to remain in high-gear for the foreseeable future. However, that only scratches the surface of the challenges caused or worsened by the coronavirus. For example, normal summer learning loss already has a disproportionate impact on students who are under-resourced and this disruption in schooling will only widen the gap, making CAN's educational programming more important than ever. We also anticipate a significant increase in our housing stabilization services once evictions and utility-shutoffs are unfrozen. CAN must be prepared to meet these changing needs as they arise.

Giving Tuesday Now is the perfect opportunity for all of us to join together in spirit even while physically apart, and we hope you'll consider supporting CAN on this day of giving. In the meantime, you can catch up on all the latest program updates and community collaborations below!

Wishing you all the best,

Your Friends at CAN

CAN was awarded a $15,000 grant towards emergency food-relief efforts from United Way of Washtenaw County's COVID-19 Relief Fund . Participation in CAN's food programs is at an all-time high, and we expect to serve record numbers of clients over the coming months. For context, Bryant Community Center used to serve an average of 150-175 families per week, and is now reaching 300-350 families on a regular basis. This grant will help us continue to get these kids and families the meals and groceries they need.

Thanks to United Way for being such a fantastic leader and partner for CAN and so many other community organizations in Washtenaw County!

Ann Arbor Public Schools donated hundreds of personal hygiene kits to be distributed at 4 CAN sites. These kits include toothpaste, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products, and other personal care items that may be more difficult for families to access at this time. Thanks for your support, AAPS!

The  Ann Arbor Art Center  is proud to partner with Community Action Network and other local organizations in Washtenaw County to distribute ArtBoxes to youth with limited access to art supplies. ArtBoxes contain a variety of art classroom materials that can be used to participate in distance learning and provide an outlet for creative expression. These ArtBoxes are made possible through the generous support of Anne Cooper and Doug & Sabrina Gross, Art Center Board Members. Learn more about ArtBoxes here .

Our kiddos were so excited to get their ArtBoxes and start creating. You can see some of their projects on @canartdesign!

It's National Volunteers Week! From being artists' assistants, homework helpers, reading partners, and more, CAN's after-school and summer camp volunteers do so much to bring joy to the lives of kids and staff alike. We miss seeing our superstar volunteer team each week, and can't wait until it's safe to welcome everyone back to our community centers.

Make a Financial Contribution: Donate to CAN to help provide out-of-school meals, educational and social-emotional enrichment, housing stabilization services, and more. Your donation gives us the flexibility to respond to changing needs in our communities!

Donate Food & Personal Care Items: CAN will no longer be accepting unscheduled drop-in donations to minimize social interactions and reduce the spread of the virus. Instead, Michigan Medicine is partnering with Food Gatherers to safely collect and distribute donations for area nonprofits, including CAN. Donations accepted from 12pm-5pm Monday-Saturday at Dock 90 of 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. Click here for more info on their requirements.

If you want to donate directly to CAN, please contact us at info@canannarbor.org first to make arrangements. Bottled water, disinfectant wipes and spray, and disposable masks are especially helpful to our food programs.

Make-a-Meal: Drop off pre-made meals and/or snacks at a CAN location. Click here to learn more.

Spread the Word: Share these emails with your friends or family who are looking for a place to give, or follow and share our pages on Facebook and Instagram .

Need or know someone that needs food?

CAN's Bryant Community Center Market is open to all Washtenaw County residents.

Address:

3 W. Eden Ct.

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Hours:

Mon-Tues: 10-4 pm

Wed-Thurs: 8:30-4 pm

Fri: 10-4 pm

Click here for a full list of Washtenaw County food pantries.

Community Action Network partners with children, youth, and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods to create better futures for themselves and improve the communities in which they live.