Patch Picks: 5 Great Non-Profits Making a Difference

In tough times, local residents turn to charities more than ever. Here's a look at some nearby organizations that are doing amazing work.

Patch Picks: 5 Great Non-Profits Making a Difference

• BRIGHTON LIONS

           What they do: Founded in 1959, the Brighton Lions Club is dedicated to helping the blind, visually impaired, needy, and youth of Livingston County. The local club is housed at the Brighton Lions Den, downtown behind Buon Gusto, and consists of 35 members, mostly Brighton residents. You can help by donating eyeglasses, or purchasing chocolate Easter bunnies through the club. And new Lions are always welcome.

• AMERICAN RED CROSS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY

            What they do: Our local chapter of the Red Cross provides 97 percent of blood and blood products in Livingston County, delivers emergency services to hundreds of victims of local disasters, trains 25,000 local people in lifesaving skills, and delivers hundreds of emergency messages for local families with loved ones in the armed forces. Basically, they save lives.

• LACASA

           What they do: The Livingston Area Council Against Spousal Abuse provides a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter and prevention and educational programs with the goal of eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse from our society.

• FRIENDS OF THE BRIGHTON DISTRICT LIBRARY

           What they do: This group's used book sales, membership dues and other donations provide much-needed programming, equipment, and services at the Brighton District Library. In fact, this group of volunteers provided three times more funding than the state of Michigan last year.

• BRIGHTON OPTIMIST CLUB

            What they do: Optimists are charged with serving youth and "bringing out the best in kids." The Brighton club has helped make lasting improvements in town, like the Meijer Skate Park and Imagination Station. It also awards scholarships and raises funds for Optimist International's Childhood Cancer Campaign, among many other good deeds. 

Next week's Patch Picks: 5 Local Boutiques Worth a Look. Put your suggestions in the comments box. And be sure to come back to see our Brighton Patchers' picks.