Community Leadership in Action: Supporting Livingston County Families Through Golf and Giving

Strong communities are built by people who step forward to make a difference.

This summer, Great Start Livingston Coordinator Robin Schutz once again demonstrated the power of community leadership by helping support fundraising efforts through a local golf outing benefiting children and families in Livingston County.

While Robin is known throughout the county for her work connecting families to resources, supporting early childhood development, and helping young children thrive, her commitment extends far beyond her day-to-day role. Through community partnerships and volunteer leadership, she continues to bring people together around a shared goal: ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Supporting Children Through Community Partnerships

One of the many ways our community comes together each year is through fundraising events that support local programs and initiatives serving children and families.

Golf outings have long been a tradition in Livingston County, bringing together businesses, community leaders, organizations, and residents to raise funds for causes that strengthen our community. These events do more than raise money—they build connections, create awareness, and inspire collective action.

Robin’s involvement reflects the same values that guide Great Start Livingston and Help Me Grow Livingston every day: collaboration, family support, and investing in children’s futures.

Backpacks for Kids: Helping Students Start School Ready to Learn

As summer continues, another important community effort is gearing up: the annual Backpacks for Kids drive.

For many families, the cost of school supplies can create additional stress during an already expensive time of year. The Backpacks for Kids program helps ensure that children throughout Livingston County begin the school year equipped with the supplies they need to learn, participate, and feel confident on their first day of school.

When children arrive prepared, they can focus on building relationships, developing new skills, and engaging in learning from day one.

How You Can Help

Community members can support the Backpacks for Kids drive by donating new school supplies or making financial contributions through participating collection sites across Livingston County.

Collection locations are updated regularly throughout the summer and include community partners throughout Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, and surrounding communities.

Needed items often include:

• Sturdy Backpacks (no logos preferred)
• Crayons and colored pencils
• Markers
• Glue sticks
• Children’s Scissors
• Erasers
• Folders, two pocket (Duo-Tang or similar)
• Loose-leaf paper
• Spiral Notebooks
• Pencils and pens
• Highlighters
• Rulers
• Pencil boxes or zippered bags

Every donation helps ensure local students have access to the tools they need for a successful school year.

See the Backpacks for Kids 2026 wishlist

Backpack Distribution Information

Families who need assistance with school supplies are encouraged to watch for upcoming distribution information and registration details as they become available.

Distribution events are coordinated through community partners and volunteers who work hard to ensure backpacks and supplies reach children throughout Livingston County before the start of school.

We encourage families to check local community announcements and participating organizations for the latest updates regarding eligibility, registration, and distribution locations.

Building Strong Starts Together

Whether through fundraising events, school supply drives, developmental screenings, family engagement opportunities, or connecting families to resources, one thing remains clear: strong communities invest in children.

Great Start Livingston and Help Me Grow Livingston are grateful for leaders like Robin Schutz and for the countless community members, businesses, volunteers, and organizations who work together to support children and families throughout Livingston County.

When communities come together, children thrive.

Want to learn more about local family resources, developmental screenings, and programs for children ages birth through five?

Visit Help Me Grow Livingston and connect with our team. We’re here to help families find the support they need so every child can get a great start.

Connect with Help Me Grow Livingston