They say charity begins at home so whenever possible I give something to Saline Area Social Service…read more(SASS) to help those nearby who need so so much. While it is important to help starving children in third world countries, it is essential that we don't neglect the ones that live in our area. Many of these families are desperately struggling to earn a living, stay together and survive. Be grateful if you have enough. Share some with others until they can get their lucky break, too. The downtown Saline office of SASS is crowded and busy with activity. The entrance is near Saline Downtown Diner, at the back of the block including Dan's Tavern. Some staff are there consistently, but you might be talking to a volunteer. They do what they can with what they have. They need donations: money, non-perishable and even perishable food including fruits and vegetables from your own garden, because they have a refrigerator and a freezer. So if you have extra of any type of food, please bring it by. They collect toiletries. The smaller travel size is preferred, but if you have full-size toiletries, they wait until they have about 120 of any given item and then they do a "distribution." At the end of the year, my church and many others in the area host a toiletries drive and collect shampoo & conditioner, bar soap & body wash, diapers, etc. that every family needs to function. Each of the churches in Saline including mine put together food baskets and gifts (for example, socks in specific sizes for boy, girl, man or woman) for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. That way, each person contributes just a little to make up a very nice windfall for each local family currently under the care of SASS, which coordinates the distribution of all of these baskets, so it makes giving logistically easier for an individual. If you wish to do some good, give them a call and stop by with a donation. During the summer months the pantry can get pretty bare so if you are into warehouse shopping, put something extra into your cart, then take it to SASS.

Monroe County Opportunity Program is a non-profit which offers numerous programs and services to…read morethose over the age of 55, those in poverty, or anyone else meeting the need for the specific program. Some of the programs they offer are Bridges Out of Poverty, Food Programs, Food RX, HEP Class, Home Care, Home Chore, Home Repair, Homeless Programs, Housing Programs, Senior Resource Advocacy, Supportive Services, Tax Preparation, Transportation (Specialized), Veteran's Assistance, and Weatherization. They have so many services that it's best to visit their website for specific details and requirements of the programs. I have used them before and give them a 5-star rating. They are great, a real blessing. If you know of anyone struggling in Monroe County, please tell them about this organization. I would like to thank the MCOP for everything they do and appreciate the services I have received from them. Please keep up the great work! If I can ever pay it forward, I will certainly make my donation to your organization.

This is one of those "thank goodness for Yelp" situations…read more Today involved several adventures that I was not quite prepared for. One included some crunching of my car. The other concerned some sort of critter being trapped in my chimney. After hoping in vain that the animal could find its own way out, I opened the flue and closed the wood-stove's door. I first called the Humane Society -- closed due to weather. I then called a number for Animal Control, which was shuttled to the police, who suggested that I call a chimney sweep. So, I called the chimney sweep who told me I was a brave woman and wished me luck. Hmm... ok. I ventured downstairs and squeaked the stove open ever so slightly, and there he was, a little, sooty bird. A sparrow, perhaps? He was so still at first, I was afraid he might be dead, but then I noticed him moving. I shut the door again and racked my brain. ... somewhere in the back of my mind I recalled reading a review this past summer -- a review about a place on Mary Street that took care of wild birds -- babies, injured and confused birds, etc. I ran back up to my computer and looked it up. Although their offices were closed for the season, the recording gave me a back-up number for a lovely woman, Carol, who turned out to the the president. Carol gave me very thoughtful, careful advice on getting the fella out of the stove and into a box. Since my car was screwed up, I called someone who could give me and the bird a ride to the volunteer's home. Well, it turned out I could get Mr. Bird out of the stove, but missed the window on getting him into the box using a towel. He fluttered around, flustered and perching on various high-up items. I only wish he understood that I was trying to help him. After a few false starts, though... he was able to get outside, if not into the box. A further call to Carol reassured me that as long as he was breathing fine (he was), he should be able to clean the soot off his feathers and would probably have a good prognosis. Carol talked with me for quite awhile about her organization. They do volunteer training every so often, and I think I might actually go check it out. I don't know that my normal nerves of steel proved to be as calm as I would have wished during this experience, but I think it's wonderful that there is a group that's so committed to rescuing and caring for birds whose lives somehow get disrupted from unexpected accidents and mishaps. I'm very thankful for Carol, her reassurance during a difficult situation, and the continuing education and help that her organization offers!

This place has really gone downhill since I wrote this review years ago. They often refuse to help…read moreyou or take in birds. They moved way out of town. And worst of all, it is very difficult to even speak with any of the staff on the phone. They don't answer and resort to texting you basic instructions upon finding a sick or injured bird. I've had two birds recently die in my care, on two separate occasions, that could've been saved with proper triage and first aid care that the center used to provide via a quick and easy intake procedure. It's a real bummer. I used to volunteer here years ago when they were on Mary St. They are awesome. I don't know what made them change for the worse.

I love this thrift store. It's so clean and organized. The pricing seems to always be a great…read morebargain. They frequently have special deals like today... 50% off EVERYTHING!

The store is very organized and clean. The prices are a little high for a thrift store, for clothes…read moreespecially. The person that checked me out was not very kind. She did not smile or respond to any of my interactions. After I was done and said thank you, she just turned away with a frown. Probably won't return.

We have been sending our children to Moon Road for over a year. The teachers are hands-on,…read moresupportive, communicative with families, and genuinely know each of their students/families. We had so much support potty training and working on important milestones. The team is always available when I have questions or concerns (particularly Taylor, Liz, Jeff, Vicky, and Aimee) and my kids cannot stop singing their praises! It's weight off my shoulders knowing that they are in a safe environment, are well fed, and are exposed to so many new experiences. Thank you, Moon Road team!

My little ones were very happy here. Teachers are great! Great location with plenty of parking.read more

I wish I could give them one million stars. They have been the best childcare provider I have ever…read morehad. They were very helpful during the pandemic and I greatly appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. They care and love my children dearly and I love them as well. They communicate so well! I Love Love Love them! Thank you Tracey and all the staff members and teachers! Mr Luke teaches my son very well and I am pleased with the level of education being taught at this school. I know my children will be well equip for the next step in their education thanks to Kindercare!

Birth Toddlers & Beyond is truly an incredible place for children and families. My nephew…read moreabsolutely loves going each day, which says everything about the caring, attentive teachers and the warm, welcoming environment they create. You can see how intentional they are about helping children learn, grow, and feel confident through fun, engaging activities and meaningful relationships. It's clear this center is built on genuine love for children and strong communication with families. I would highly recommend Birth Toddlers & Beyond to anyone looking for a safe, nurturing, and high-quality early childhood experience.

They are amazing people with big hearts. They take great pride in the education they provide. I…read morewould recommend them to anyone. Great education and daycare.

Such an amazing place for your little ones to attend. They learn so much at such a young age and…read morethe staff is absolutely amazing! My little one is 5 and was having a hard time seperating from me some days, and they encourage her and support her. My little one enjoys her school so much! Thank you Educare!