MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Despite Meridian Township's affluent appearance, one in five households makes less than $25,000 a year. But there is hope for those who may be slipping through the cracks with a financial crisis.

"A lot of people I work with are truly optimist. They always say my luck is going to improve I'll have more income at this point I'll be able to do it and then they realize at the very last minute or even after that, you know it doesn't work out the way I expected," said Darla Jackson, Meridian Township's Human Services Specialist.

And that's where the Community Resources Commission comes in.

Roughly 1,400 residents continue to search for employment in Meridian Township while even more search for an answer when it comes to controlling their money.

And that's why this donation-based group established in 1972 to help those who are slipping through on their house payments, medical costs, utility bills and more.

"The number of people who have needed utilities for the last 6 months has been as many as requested in the entire year for last year," said Jackson.

And the numbers just keep rising. So to keep up, the CRC is raising the bar when it comes to helping those in need.

Starting this year, the Community Resources Commission will collect backpacks for local families in need.

"Backpacks are expensive and to put all of the stuff in it kids need these days that schools used to give them but they have to get it now," said Community Resources Commission Chair, Suzanne Brouse.

But with the CRC's help, a backpack can now be one less item on someones back to school shopping list.

"Kids need things like that so they don't seem different from other children. They can have something that's new and bright just like the other kids do," said Brouse.

Thanks to the CRC, Meridian Township can be great to place to live no matter what your income level.

If you would like to donate to the CRC Summer Assistance Program, you can contact Darla Jackson at 517-853-4204, or send a check to the Township Municipal Building and write it out to the Community Resources Commission Needs Fund.