Rose Marie Farrar of Independence Township helped start the Guardian Angels community service group with five volunteers.
Now it has more than 120.
‘We started after Hurricane Katrina (in 2005) said Farrar, assistant to the president at Guardian Industries in Auburn Hills. ‘We started collecting blankets, canned goods. Everyone helped out.?
The group started with employees of the glass manufacturer and supplier, and later opened membership up to the community.
‘We have spouses, family members, friends, a wide variety,? said Farrar, who was awarded Clarkston’s 2008 Citizen of the Year Award in part for her efforts with Guardian Angels. ‘People know this is a way they can give back to the community.?
They meet monthly to plan projects including visits to the Veterans Hospital in Detroit and Children’s Hospital of Michigan, food drives for Lighthouse Emergency Services in Independence Township and Clarkston United Methodist Church, and bake sales for the annual 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer in August.
‘We do so much, but its all so much fun,? Farrar said.
‘I joined partly to raise awareness with my children of the whole idea of volunteering and helping the community,? said volunteer Yigal Alalouf of Clarkston. ‘I talk to my children about helping the community all the time. This is a personal example, the best way to teach them that.?
‘It was something to do,? said Michelle Hrigora, who joined this year. ‘Everyone’s really nice.?
Volunteers are free to donate time, talents, supplies, and money on whatever projects they find interesting, Farrar said.
‘It’s strictly voluntary. We don’t push ourselves on people. We make it fun,? she said.
‘People can pick and choose ? it all works out. We have very generous people, amazing people.?
They visit the VA hospital every month, sometimes with a couple members of the Detroit Pistons? Automotion Dance Team, an affiliate of Guardian, she said.
‘Veterans are a special group of people. We’d like to give something back,? said volunteer Tom Urban. ‘They love it.?
‘We love it even more,? Alalouf said.
With school starting soon, the group has been busy colleting supplies, backpacks, and clothing for children in need, Farrar said.
‘It’s important to have a new outfit at the beginning of school,? she said.
They are planning a major fundraiser for Saturday, July 26: a company-wide garage sale at Guardian’s corporate headquarters, 2300 Harmon Road, next to the Palace of Auburn Hills.
‘We made $1,500 last year,? she said. ‘It was a hit for us. People like to go to garage sales – they were lined up at the gate.?
Items include items for the home, furniture, toys, sports equipment, electronics, kitchen appliances, dishes, and artwork, all priced to sell.
‘I love garage sales. They’re a lot of fun,? said Linda Bach, committee head. ‘You meet lots of people and collect all this stuff.?
Anything unsold is donated to Rescued Treasures, Bach said.
For more information, call Guardian Industries at 248-340-1800.