MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - 13% of residents in Meridian Township live below the poverty line.

A township fundraising program, Meridian Cares, hopes to change that statistic, to help families in need throughout the winter season.

Meridian Cares features a variety of events and fundraisers to help expand this fund. Most recently, there was a fundraiser at the Asian Buffet on Marsh Road, where a portion of profits went directly to the fund.

There is also a raffle, where tickets are available for purchase. Items being raffled off are mainly from local businesses.

"There's a misconception that the township itself is affluent, that everyone here is affluent," said Darla Jackson, a Human Services Specialist for Meridian Township.

When in fact, more families than you might think are below the poverty line.

Raffle tickets to support Meridian Cares are still available. They are $10 each, or three tickets for $20.

Raffle winners will be announced on December 16 on the Township's Facebook page.