Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/author/porte144/)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 12 percent of Meridian Township residents are living below the poverty level. For those who are struggling, Meridian Township has many resources and programs for families in need. One is Meridian Cares. Darla Jackson is a human services specialist for the Meridian Cares program. Jackson helps families with finding shelter, covering utilities, rent to avoid eviction and even help with medications and furniture.
The ACC is the Asian Culture Club at Okemos High School. The organization brings all races together and volunteered in the Chinese New Year celebration at Meridian Mall. Although the organization’s members are just high schoolers, they bring positive energy to their high school and to the community by welcoming everyone together for equality, and learning about one another. Gaelin Zhao is the president of the Asian Culture Club and is currently a junior at Okemos High School. Since joining ACC his freshman year, he’s enjoying being a part of the organization.
On Feb. 18 at the Meridian Mall, the Greater Lansing Chinese Association and Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Department, brought the community together for not only bringing in the Chinese New Year, but to bring fun and celebration for families. Gaelin Zhao, a student from Okemos High School and other fellow students, hosted a table of arts and crafts for children to create their own Chinese toys. Zhao is the president of the Okemos High School Asian Culture Club and it participates every year. The club meets once a week on Tuesdays to talk and learn about other cultures.