A dedicated firefighter, North Oakland County Fire Authority Lieutenant Don Dewey, is now fighting a personal battle against respiratory cancer.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support him and his family.

Dewey was diagnosed in February. The diagnosis is linked to the hazardous exposures to toxic chemicals, smoke, and carcinogens, in the line of duty, according to a press release.

Dewey has been with the North Oakland County Fire Authority (NOCFA) since 2017. He became a firefighter in 1997 and a paramedic in 1999. He started his firefighting career in Almont, and has also served with the Highland Township Fire Department.

Those who wish to donate to support Dewey and his family, can visit www.gofundme.com/helping-hero-don-dewey.

Funds raised will assist with medical expenses, travel for specialized treatments, and help provide financial stability for his family.

Those who want to donate by check can make checks payable to Don Dewey, and those who wish to send well wishes by mail, send to: NOCFA local #5346, Attn: Don Dewey PO Box 2, Holly, MI 48442.

For more information and for updates, visit www.facebook.com/NOCFAL5346.

Menards hosts pet supply drive

Menards home improvement stores are serving as drop sites for pet supply donations to benefit local animal shelters. Donations can be dropped off in the large collection boxes near the exit doors at Menards locations.

Menards offers a wide variety of pet supplies including food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers and mats. Oakland County locations include Bloomfield Hills, Orion Township and Wixom.

For more information, including store hours, visit www.menards.com.

Higher Hopes! and Blessings in a Backpack expand program providing weekend meals

Higher Hopes! And Blessings in a Backpack have expanded their partnership to provide weekend meals for more Head Start students in Detroit. They started the collaboration in March of 2024, serving 500 students, and have now expanded the partnership to provide weekend meals for 1,000 students.

The students at United Children and Family Head Start, Starfish Family Services, MiSide, and Focus: HOPE Head Start receive prepacks of food for the weekend. Most students in the program rely on free and reduced-cost lunches during the school week for healthy meals but lack access to food over the weekend.

Higher Hopes! is based in Commerce Township. For more information, visit higherhopesdetroit.org or contact Bill Birndorf at volunteer@higherhopesdetroit.org, or call (248) 360-9300.

To learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org.