Foundation hosts 5th Annual Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive
The Oceana Community Foundation is excited to announce the start of our 5th Annual Donation Drive in partnership with the Oceana Migrant Child Task Force. The Foundation is collecting donations of new hygiene items, toys, activities books for children and preteens, bulk cultural foods and more to directly support families through the Task Force’s Camp Outreach events. Each item donated will directly go to a family in Oceana County, providing essential items.
Oceana’s farmworker outreach efforts are organized by our local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support migrant families facing resource insecurity. The task force estimates that around 42,700 children (ages 0 to 19) visit Michigan alongside their families as seasonal farmworkers. While working to support Oceana’s agricultural economy by harvesting local produce, some young children and their families lack access to everyday necessities. The Foundation is assisting DHHS by collecting in-demand items like toothbrushes, kid’s toys, shampoo, diapers, wipes, and soap. This community centered effort invites everyone to invest in the wellbeing of local migrant farmworker families who are vital to West Michigan’s agricultural success.
“Agriculture is an essential part of Oceana County’s economy. With the support of our Migrant farmworkers who make West Michigan their temporary home, our farms can thrive,” Foundation CEO Tammy Carey shares. “The Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with our local Migrant Child Task Force for the fifth time. Our community continues to welcome and support our Migrant farmworkers with each wish list, sharing their gratitude for all their hard work to bring food to our tables and beyond.”
Oceana’s Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive is taking place both online and in-person. Via Facebook and the Foundation’s website, participants can donate items through the Task Force’s Amazon Wishlist (at tinyurl.com/2025CampOutreach). By purchasing one of the items on the wish list, donations are shipped directly to the Foundation’s PO Box. Contributions can also be dropped off in the donation box at the Foundation’s office in the Pentwater Shelby State Bank side entrance lobby at 388 S. Hancock Street. Items are delivered to families throughout the county by DHHS during their camp visits or out of their Hart office directly to clients. Any donation would be appreciated and accepted until June 30th, 2025.
For any questions regarding the Oceana’s Migrant Child Task Force, contact Ricardo Solis of the Farmworker Outreach Services Division. He is available at solicR1@michigan.gov.
About Oceana Community Foundation
The Oceana Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Oceana County through philanthropy, education, and community development. By connecting donors with community needs, the Foundation fosters opportunities for growth, innovation, and success for all people.