By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
At the end of the day everyone that walks the earth is a human being with raw emotions, needs and feelings and sometimes those individuals go through tough times. And in response to that, those who have the ability to help should do so.
That’s the mantra and the feeling over at Lake Orion United Methodist Church and when news began to spread about the water crisis in Flint, members of the church and people from surrounding areas felt they had a duty to act.
Lake Orion UMC began hosting donation drives last week and have since collected more than 100 cases of water.
‘We’re very committed to making sure that the needs of people are taken care especially when there’s a crisis like this,? Pastor John Ball said. ‘Especially when there are situations and circumstances that are out of their control.?
Over the weekend the Orion Fire Fighters Association (OFFA), a separate non-profit group composed of Orion firefighters, approved a motion to purchase more than 120 cases of water. After that got approved the firefighters decided to open the fire stations up as a donation drop-off for cases of water.
‘We’ve always had that nature of wanting to help out the community and even though they’re not our direct neighbors, we can sympathize with those in Flint and those that need a helping hand and we’re happy to do so,? OFFA President and Orion Firefighter Brian Phillips said.
According to Ball, not only have community members and church goers been instrumental in the donations, but he’s seen a motivation that challenges many negative views on the youth. Something he couldn’t be more proud to witness and more excited to continue.
‘Often times I hear so much about the millennial generation and these young kids these days and I’ll be honest I see something radically different,? he said. ‘There’s an exception to the rule of course, but these kids don’t see through a black and white lens. They see through a lens of inclusion, compassion, and kindness and I’m just inspired by them and we believe in instilling in them the value of taking care of human beings in this world.?
In April 2014, the City of Flint switched over from Detroit water and began using the Flint River as its primary source of water while they were waiting for the completion of water pipe line from Lake Huron. Because it was not treated with the proper anti-corrosive chemicals, the water began leaching elevated levels of lead from plumbing connections into the water. It took more than a year before elected officials began efforts to recognize and help Flint residents.
Both Lake Orion groups will be collecting water through out the week while the OFFA says those interested can drop off cases of water until Sunday, January 24.
Lake Orion UMC is located at 140 E. Flint Street in the Village and those requesting information can call 248-693-6201.
Fire Station drop off will begin at 10am and last until 4pm through Sunday, January 24. Station 1 is located at 93 S. Anderson St., Station 2 is at 3801 Giddings, Station 3 at 3365 Gregory Rd, and Station 4 is at 465 S. Baldwin Road.