GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mel Trotter Ministries is seeking donations of new and gently used winter clothing for homeless people.
Blue donation barrels have been set up around Grand Rapids, or you can drop items off at the Mel Trotter Shelter at 225 Commerce Avenue just south of Cherry Street. The need for winter outerwear is greater than usual due to rising costs and a shortage of affordable housing.
"So, if you could help us with this - especially at this time of year, we're coming up to Thanksgiving - it's getting cold, it's a great way to give," said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries.
He told WOOD Radio in a phone interview where you can donate items, and that information is listed below, as well.
"You can go to MelTrotter.org and look up the nearest location," he said. "You can drop them off at our thrift stores or you drop them off at 225 Commerce, which is our main shelter of operation."
Mel Trotter provided a list of blue barrel locations where you can donate clothing:
Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, has launched its annual Code Blue clothing drive, with the goal of providing winter outerwear to children and adults who are unhoused in our community.
Each year, Mel Trotter joins forces with its community partners to place blue donation barrels in local businesses and other secure public locations. The goal is to gather new and gently used winter clothing for people who are trapped in the cycle of homelessness. The items will be given to adults and children who lack the financial resources to purchase these essential items. High demand items include:
- Hand warmers (new only)
- Winter Coats
- Hats
- Mittens/Gloves
- Scarves
- Wool or fleece socks
- Waterproof winter boots
- Men’s Jeans (32-40 waist, 32 length)
- Sweatpants (size L-4XL)
- Sweatshirts (size L-4XL)
- Long underwear
“The winter season is approaching and with it comes the cold reality that many people in our community are in need of assistance,” said Palusky in a news release. “Our annual Code Blue clothing drive is powered by the kindness of everyday people in our community. This year, with rising costs and a shortage of affordable housing, the need for winter clothing for people who are homeless is greater than ever.”
The public can drop off items at the Mel Trotter Shelter at 225 Commerce Avenue SW in Grand Rapids, or at blue barrel locations throughout the community. A list of locations is below.
Mel Trotter Ministries
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- 225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mel Trotter Thrift Stores
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00AM – 9:00PM
- Belding – 363 E State St, Belding, MI 48809
- Grand Rapids – 2820 29th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
- Jenison – 7500 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428
- Kentwood – 1435 60th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
- Sparta – 538 S State St, Sparta, MI 49345
- Walker – 3343 Alpine Ave NW Suite A, Walker, MI 49544
Mercantile Bank Branch Locations
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Forest Hills – 4737 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Knapp – 3156 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Leonard – 310 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Robinson Dental Offices
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00AM – 5:00PM
- Cascade – 5749 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Coopersville – 502 W Randall St, Coopersville, MI 49404
- Wayland – 899 Reno Dr, Wayland, MI 49348
Waxology Branch Offices
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 6:00PM; Saturday, 9:00AM – 2:00PM
- Breton – 1844 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Grandville – 4365 Canal Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
- Knapp's Corner – 2088 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Rockford – 54 Courtland St suite f, Rockford, MI 49341
Age Management of West Michigan
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
- 1959 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Douglas J Institute
Hours: Mon 9:00AM – 4:00PM; Tues-Fri 9:00AM – 10:00PM; Sat 9:00AM – 4:30PM
- 138 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
TRVFIT Fitness SW Grand Rapids
Hours: Please visit their website for daily hours
- 1075 73rd St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Zokoe Team Five Star Real Estate
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:00PM
- 250 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
You can also click here if you would like to make a cash donation directly to Mel Trotter Ministries via our website.
“For 125 years, the mission of Mel Trotter Ministries has been to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to those in our community who need support,” said Palusky. “By donating winter clothing you can provide comfort from the coldest weather of the year to children and adults. A heavy coat, a hat, or gloves may be all it takes for them to avoid frostbite or hyperthermia, which can happen in just a few minutes in sub-zero conditions. It is our hope that the community will once again demonstrate its kindness so that we can continue delivering the compassion of Jesus Christ to our neighbors in need.”
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About Mel Trotter Ministries
Established in 1900, Mel Trotter Ministries exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness. MTM seeks to help end homelessness and walk with people on their faith journey. For more information about Mel Trotter Ministries, visit www.meltrotter.org or call 616-588-8792.