MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Hundreds turned out for the 36th annual Walk for Warmth to raise money for people facing heating emergencies.
Organizers called it one of the largest turnouts in recent years, with more than 200 people pre-registering.
Edward Scott, director of Macomb Community Action, said, “Every year there’s about 20 to 30 households that benefit directly from the funds that we raise today. This being a larger walk and a good turnout that we’ve got. I think we’ll be able to help a little bit more.”
Whether that’s to help people in need pay for utility bills or repair broken furnaces.
Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive, said, “Our health and human services organization here at Macomb County tries to reach out and support what we can, but we could also use the extra funding to help support that.”
It cost $30 to register — a small fee that adds up when hundreds turn out.
Karen Smith, walker, said, “We try to give back to the community in any way that we can.”
The walk took place in downtown Mount Clemens.
Phil Gilchrist, Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, said, “The reason that this is particularly exciting for me is because we’re in the very final stages of our downtown revitalization project and it’s like a facelift to our downtown core.”
Every dollar raised goes back to families in need.
Andrew Cox, director and health officer, Macomb County Department of Health and Human Services, said, “Every single dollar that we can get goes back to families.”
Participants described the event as meaningful and community-minded.
JT Neuffer, walker, said, “It’s such an honorable thing to be here today. I’m just thrilled to be a part of this.”