GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mel Trotter Ministries will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Community Meal next Thursday, Nov. 28.
The event is open to the public and free to anyone seeking food, shelter and fellowship.
Mel Trotter says it is expecting to host more than 2,000 people, as families in the region deal with persistent food insecurity and a shortage of affordable housing. The meal will be served at DeVos Place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When:
November 28, 2024
Meal Prep: 5:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Meal Served: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Where:
DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Here are more details provided in a Mel Trotter news release:
“The holidays can be a difficult time for members of our community who may be struggling to make ends meet,” said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “This event provides a safe and welcoming place for people to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, while connecting with others in our community.”
Mel Trotter staff, community partners and more than 500 volunteers will join forces once again to prepare the annual meal. In all, the kitchen team will be busying cooking:
- 180 Turkeys
- 2,400 Pounds of potatoes
- 3,000 Dinner rolls
- 240 Pounds of stuffing
- 700 Pounds of green beans
- 700 Pounds of candied carrots
- 60 Gallons of gravy
The Gilmore Collection, which is comprised of 10 West Michigan restaurants, including Blue Water Grill, Bostwick Lake Inn, Flat River Grill and Kirby House, is once again partnering with Mel Trotter on this event. The Gilmore team will cook all the turkeys and make homemade rolls for the Thanksgiving meal.
“We’re grateful for the generosity of our community partners, volunteers and donors – without them, none of this would be possible,” said Pam Liggett, Director of Development at Mel Trotter. “Still, we encourage everyone in our community to remember our neighbors in need this holiday season and to consider donating to Mel Trotter so that we can continue to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to people facing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan.”
Click here if you would like to donate to Mel Trotter Ministries.
Mel Trotter will also provide free coats donated during its annual Coat Drive for those needing one this winter. Additionally, The Rapid will provide free shuttle service to-and-from DeVos Place for individuals needing transportation.
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