By Jim Newell

Review Editor

Orion Township Parks and Recreation workers have responded to the Coronavirus pandemic by setting up the Orion Center as a drop off location for donated items.

Workers will then deliver those items to seniors and others in need in the Orion Community, said Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Whatley.

“We’re asking for donations: non-perishable items, toiletries, distilled water, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products,” Whatley said.

Parks and recreation staff are making calls to “anyone who has ever signed up for a membership at the Orion Center. Primarily 50 and over, and we’re going to keep following up,” Whatley said.

Workers have contacted more than 1,000 seniors as of Monday, said Township Supervisor Chris Barnett.

“If our seniors want us to call every week, we will, and we have some of them that do,” Whatley said, adding that workers and volunteers deliver items to the residents who need them.

Anyone who wants to donate can do so from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Those who donate don’t even have to interact with anyone; they can just drop off the items in the donation center.

“They can just follow the signs once they come to the building. They’ll be no interaction, they just open the door and drop off their donations in the particular designated areas,” Whatley said.

Anyone who needs assistance, or knows of someone who needs assistance during the Coronavirus pandemic can email the helpline at help@oriontownship.org or call the Help Hotline at 248-391-0304 ext. 3507. If no one answers, leave a message and someone will get back with you, Whatley said.

Staff will take information from residents about what the need and put it in a needs assessment form document so they can have the items waiting for pickup or assign a delivery, Whatley said.

The Orion Center is at 1335 Joslyn Rd.