GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mel Trotter Ministries is partnering with WOOD Radio and Celebration Cinema to collect frozen turkeys for those in need in the region.
The 22nd annual Turkey Drop event will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This year's goal is to collect more than 5-thousand frozen turkeys. Financial donations can be made at TurkeyDrop.org .
"I'll be honest," Mel Trotter CEO Chris Palusky said on West Michigan's Morning News. "I've just been getting kind of psyched up. It's a great way for the community to come out and just do something really tangible, helping their neighbor out."
Incidentally, Mel Trotter Ministries will hold its annual Thanksgiving Community Meal on Nov. 27 for those in need, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Life EMS President Mark Meijer got the donation drive rolling Wednesday morning by announcing that his company was dropping off 100 frozen turkeys at Celebration Cinema North. He told West Michigan's Morning News, "So, the turkeys don't just go to their large banquet that they do for the homeless and hurting. But they go all throughout West Michigan, to all of the food banks that desperately need help."
Here is more information from a Mel Trotter Ministries news release:
The spirit of holiday giving in West Michigan has always been important to those who are struggling financially. This year, the need is even greater due to inflation, economic hardships, and reduced government resources. Your contributions could make the difference for a family that might otherwise go without food this Thanksgiving holiday.
For community members unable to drop off a frozen turkey on the day of the event but who still want to help others, we ask that you make a financial contribution. Every $20 donation to Mel Trotter will count as one turkey towards our goal. You can go to turkeydrop.org to make a donation and learn more about the need in our community.
When:
- Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Where:
- Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE, Grand Rapids
- Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids South, 1506 Eastport Drive, Grand Rapids
- Mel Trotter Ministries Jenison Thrift Store, 7500 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison
- Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Muskegon Rescue Mission-Men's Shelter, 400 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon
- Gateway Mission-Men’s Center, 166 S. River Ave., Holland
Who:
- Chris Palusky, CEO, Mel Trotter Ministries
This year marks the 22nd Annual Turkey Drop. The goal is to collect more than 5,000 frozen turkeys that can be distributed throughout West Michigan. In addition to the Celebration! Cinema locations in greater Grand Rapids, turkeys can once again be dropped off along the lakeshore at the Muskegon Rescue Mission and Gateway Mission in Holland. Feeding America West Michigan will provide storage and distribution of the turkeys leading up to the holiday.
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