MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Food Pantry provides food and other items to anyone in need, whether they live in Madison Heights or not. Officials say the economy and government shutdown are putting the squeeze on families, including working single parents trying to feed their kids. As such, more donations are needed.

STERLING HEIGHTS — In the mid-1970s, Department of Public Works employee Ken Stempowski started a food drive to help local families in need.

NOVI — The American Association of University Women Northville-Novi Branch commemorated 50 years of advocating for women in the community with dinner and a “walk down memory lane” at Genitti’s Hole in the Wall in downtown Northville on Sept. 24. 

ROYAL OAK — Arts, Beats and Eats organizers announced on Oct. 14 that the festival generated a record $400,076.87 in contributions that will go toward local nonprofit organizations. 

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is hosting another “Pigs 4 Wigs” outreach with the assistance of police departments throughout Metro Detroit. The event lasts throughout the month of November in conjunction with “No Shave November,” a campaign focused on raising awareness and funds to fight cancer.

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE/FRASER — A group of residents and businesses recently were recognized for their contributions to their respective communities.

HAZEL PARK — Officials with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County are taking stock of last month’s Rock the Block initiative in Hazel Park, deeming it a success.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Born out of the success of one community project, a new nonprofit aims to boost more projects around Clinton Township.

WARREN — In 1925, a group of women formed the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Few groups are as vulnerable as those in foster care. As they age out of the system and are forced into the world to fend for themselves, experts say they’re at greater risk of homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and incarceration.

MACOMB COUNTY — As part of their practicum course in early childhood development at Macomb Community College, a group of students are holding a drive to benefit the baby pantry at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Macomb Township.

ROSEVILLE — The members of Roseclair Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2895 never pass up an opportunity to hold a fundraiser for a worthy cause.

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, will once again host the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 21.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — In collaboration with Tim’s Bike Shop of St. Clair Shores, the St. Clair Shores Lac Ste Claire Kiwanis is hosting a Bike Fest to raise money for St. Clair Shores Cops for Kids.

TROY — A group known as the Troy 100 Women Who Care recently donated $3,800 to Troy Historic Village’s Indigenous Voices program.

TROY — Variety, a children’s charity, recently hosted its 11th annual SHINE Fashion Show fundraiser, featuring special needs children modeling eye-catching clothes.

ROYAL OAK — Every September since 2016, Cornerstone Community Financial has hosted toy drives in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

EASTPOINTE — The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society, strictly run by volunteers, has been a staple in the community since it opened Nov. 11, 2011.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP/ST. CLAIR SHORES — When Michael Schodowski was studying tae kwon do to earn his black belt more than 40 years ago, another student invited him to visit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit after class one night.

METRO DETROIT — While growing up, Vito Chirco and his brother Dominic bonded with their dad, Jerome, through sports, especially softball and baseball.