Understand & Advocate

One of the most important ways you can help South County Community Services is to better understand who we serve and why. Community members are often surprised to learn that 33% of the residents in South County live below the poverty line or are families who have difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, utilities, transportation and healthcare on a dependable basis. Click here to review the most recent United Way ALICE Report Fact Sheet and learn more about the faces of need in our current economy. Join SCCS to implement affordable proven solutions to make a difference for people overlooked and underserved in our community.

Donate Food

Each year people like you donate thousands of pounds of food and household/personal items for the use of South County families. The annual holiday household/personal items drive is conducted by the National Honor Society at Vicksburg High School. The annual Postal Food Drive, the second Saturday in May, is bringing in about 4 tons of usable food each year. These food drives and individual donations ensure that our pantry customers leave with food basics, and even some extras, to supplement foods available from Loaves & Fishes. Strong support from Sarkozy’s and Meijer also key to meeting the needs of South County residents. Generous support from our local community, ensures pantry visitors are able to also shop for household and personal items each time they visit if needed. 

If you would like to help families provide nutritious meals, check out our Wish List below and join the team!

 

SCCS Pantry Wish List

Coffee

Condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc)

Canned fruit

Juice

Snacks

Crackers

Ramen Noodles

Volunteer

South County Community Services offers persons who wish to give back to their community in a meaningful way many opportunities to engage with the SCCS mission of helping South County families improve their quality of life. SCCS can accommodate both short-term and long-term volunteer commitments. Our goal is to connect you with the people and projects that are mutually rewarding for you and the agency.

DONATE

All donations are tax-deductible due to our 501(c) (3) non-profit status. Donation envelopes and donation receipts are available at time of gift and you will also receive an annual statement.

Have you checked with your employer to see if a match to your donation is available from your employer to SCCS?

Check

Checks should be written payable to South County Community Services (SCCS for short). A note in the memo section of your check informing us of your preference for how we use your donation is greatly appreciated. We strive always to honor each donor’s intention.

Online through Stripe

No account needed to make a donation to South County Community Services. Stripe is a secure and trusted way to pay online.

Donate Now

Trees of Life Holiday Fundraiser

About one-third of the residents who live in South County have difficulty meeting basic needs on a regular basis. All the money raised in the annual TREES OF LIFE is used to provide direct assistance and support during the holidays and throughout the months ahead.

Trees of Life Order Form

Stock

SCCS is prepared to receive gifts of stock and there may be tax incentives to the donor. Contact the SCCS Director and your tax specialist for guidance.

Memorials

Memorial gifts to SCCS as a lasting tribute to the passing of someone dear are often received at the agency. It is our policy to put all memorial gifts directly into the SCCS Endowment Fund held at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation where it is wisely invested and returns the interest to SCCS for service to our clients. Many donors take comfort in knowing that their memorial is a gift that keeps doing good forever.

Legacy Giving Society

Your legacy gift to South County Community Services can take many forms. In addition to an outright, tax-deductible cash or credit card gift, here are other great ways for you to join our Legacy Giving Society:
  • Multiple Year Cash Pledge
  • Bequest Through Your Will or Trust
  • Outright Gift of Real Estate
  • Retirement Account/IRA
  • Charitable Gift Annuity
  • Stock, Bond & Mutual Fund Gift
  • Gift of Life Insurance
  • Charitable Remainder Trust
  • Personal Property Gift
  • In-Kind Gift

For more details, click here

Help Us Build the Future by Joining the SCCS Membership Circle

Want to make sure that SCCS is able to effectively serve South County families with proven services? Consider joining our SCCS Membership Circle.

With a small charter member group begun late in 2013, SCCS has added $10,000 to $12,000 per year to its annual income. This fund is dedicated to keeping our ongoing programs funded consistently when outside funding fluctuates from year to year. It is an annual commitment for donors as long as they are able. No matter what the size of your donation, your consistent support assures the delivery of key programs.

In addition to helping with operational expenses, a portion of your donation is invested in the SCCS Endowment Fund held at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation when the annual budget allows. 

This program is being redesigned. If you are interested in joining our Membership Circle, please contact the SCCS Director at 649-2901.