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Local high school students deliver gifts to kids
WALLED LAKE/INKSTER — Walled Lake Northern High School student leadership students delivered gifts to students at David Hicks Elementary School in Inkster Dec. 14, according to a press release from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.
The initiative was the eighth from Walled Lake Northern students, according to the release.
“Walled Lake Northern decides which school to partner with annually based on its need for resources,” the release states. “David Hicks Elementary has around 430 students and 60 staff members. A large percentage of their students come from low income families and 88% are on school lunch assistance. Walled Lake Northern students, families and staff donated gifts that will be given to students and staff at David (Hicks) Elementary based on a list of wants and needs.”
According to the release, there were over 3,000 gifts totaling more than $40,000.
Walled Lake Northern student leadership also held a canned food drive to help stock the school’s food pantry ahead of the winter break.
Local athletic director recognized
WATERFORD — Waterford School District Athletic Director Allison Sartorius was recently recognized as the Athletic Director of the Year by the Oakland County Athletic Director Association, an organization in Oakland County that supports the success of interscholastic athletics and promotes inter-school relations, according to a press release from the Waterford School District.
As athletic director, Sartorius oversees the athletic programming for multiple teams, with over 1,600 student-athletes participating at the middle and high school levels, according to the release.
“Allison has demonstrated great leadership within the Waterford School District, in her league, our county and across the state of Michigan,” Tim Donnan, the president of the association, stated in the release.
Sartorius, an alumna of the Waterford School District, has served as athletic director for approximately 10 years.
Before becoming athletic director, she was an educator and a coach in the Waterford School District for eight years, working as a middle school teacher, a high school coach and an interim assistant principal, according to the release.
“Our student-athletes, as well as athletic programming and facilities, routinely receive local and statewide recognition. I attribute that success to Allison, who does a tremendous job of ensuring we are offering comprehensive athletic programming while enforcing the importance of academics,” WSD Superintendent Scott Lindberg stated in the release. “Couple her expertise with her genuine love of athletics and Waterford Township, and it’s a win-win for our entire WSD community.”
Sartorius also shared some thoughts.
“Ensuring our student-athletes have the best opportunities available to them is a passion of mine, so to receive acknowledgment for this work is extremely fulfilling,” she stated in the release.
Sartorius and her husband, Michael, have three daughters who are Waterford School District student-athletes, according to the release.
Local business offers free pick-up of gently used furniture
METRO DETROIT — Every other Tuesday through Feb. 27, Gorman’s Home Furnishings and Interior Design will dedicate its delivery trucks to pick up gently used furniture from households anywhere in metro Detroit for free as part of “Michigan’s Largest Housewarming Party,” according to a press release.
“For those looking for a fresh start in the new year, be it remodeling, cleaning, downsizing, home redecorating or just getting organized, they can conveniently schedule a pick-up and Gorman’s will be there,” the release states.
Items accepted include sofas, chairs, dining room tables, dressers, bed frames, coffee and end tables, and bookshelves. Mattresses will not be accepted, according to the release.
Additionally, Gorman’s is collecting unused household basics, such as dish towels, oven mitts, small kitchen gadgets, measuring cups, bath towels and more to donate to selected nonprofits.
The items can be dropped off at any Gorman’s location during regular business hours.
Gorman’s showrooms are located in Novi, Southfield and Troy. A warehouse and Three-Day Clearance Center is located in Farmington Hills.
“Supporting the community is a year-round commitment for us, and we’re hoping this makes it easy for our customers and surrounding community members to participate and feel good knowing they, too, are making a difference,” John Moray, the CEO of Gorman’s, stated in the release. “Through this initiative we aim to provide furniture and household items that will help families and individuals transform their house into a warm and welcoming home.”
Recipients of Gorman’s efforts are the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Habitat ReStores of Oakland County, and Humble Design Detroit.
