At Big Family of Michigan we have many programs going on all the time.  Every one of these programs is designed for one of these purposes:   To help the Children waiting to be adopted To help potential Foster and Adoptive Parents, get  to know what the children are really like. Therefore, we have a list of the on-going programs listed below.  Thank you ahead of time for your interest. To Help the Kids: **School Supplies: If your organization needs a project this would really help us out.  We are in desperate need of school supplies.  Thank You.  Click here to donate school supplies. Teddy Barrels: - We do not need anymore Stuffed Animals at this time.  Thank you for your support. Big Family gathers thousands of Teddy Bears which are given to the Police, Fire and Social Services Departments to soothe Children in crisis.  Public Speaking: Jeanne Fowler grew up in the "system".  She frequently speaks to Clubs, Churches, Foster Parents and Social Workers about her horrific experiences as an abused child and foster child. Click here to commission a speech Dignity Bags: Most Children are moved many times during their childhoods, usually with their clothing packed in black plastic garbage bags.  We supply many suitcases directly to the children. Click here to donate New or Used Suitcases Love Packs: The Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in partnership with the Big Family put together hundreds of love packs each year for children who have nothing.  These bags of goodies contain a story book, coloring book and crayons, comb and brush, tooth brush and toothpaste a ball and a Teddy Bear, hacky sack, stickers etc.  Click here to donate Love Pack items Aging Out Program: Many children never get adopted, so we supply tools for these kids.  These tool kits include an alarm clock, calculator, hammer, wrenches, screwdrivers, dishes, towels and computers especially lap tops. other things necessary to set up a household to these kids. Many kids, when they turn 18, they are turned out of the orphanage or foster home with little in the way of resources.  If they have a drivable car they can get to work. Click here to Donate items   To Get to Know the Kids: Birthday Parties for Foster Children:  For many children, the Big Family birthday party may be  the first and only birthday celebration of their childhood. The Patchwork Girl To an orphan or foster child a quilt or crocheted afghan means love, warmth, family, and security.We need quilts and afghans. Birthday Cards For Foster Children:  We would like to thank Girl Scout Troop 1473 for a months supply of handmade birthday cards. The Big Family sends a birthday card to every waiting child.  maybe your store could send a few gift certificates to stuff in the cards. Click here to sponsor a Birthday Party or donate items for the Birthday Parties or cards Essay and Art Contests: We provide opportunities for the children to win money and develop self respect through a variety of contests through the year.  Note: Every child wins a cash prize. Click Here to donate money or writing or art supplies Sport and Cultural Outings: We are constantly finding and are in need of more tickets for Michigan's Foster children to sporting events. We also find and need tickets to events such as the ballet, museums, plays and the circus. Click here to donate tickets Scholarships: Many abused children love school because it is their safe place.  Unfortunately the abuse often leaves their school record in less than perfect shape for competing for scholarships.  We need a few scholarships especially for our kids. Click here to contact us about scholarships We will be adding more programs and projects.   Please check back often. Thank you in  Advance for your Help.