November 11th, 2025
By: MSN
You may see blue barrels popping up again around West Michigan. They are part of Mel Trotter Ministries’ Code Blue clothing drive to help keep the unhoused community warm this winter.
During the clothing drive, Mel Trotter will accept new and gently used winter gear and other warm clothing. You’ll find blue donation barrels outside the ministry and other businesses.
The ministry will then distribute them to unhoused people around West Michigan.
“The winter season is approaching and with it comes the cold reality that many people in our community are in need of assistance,” said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “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.”
Mel Trotter said the following items are needed:
- 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
“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.”
Items can be dropped off in the blue barrels at these locations:
Mel Trotter Ministries
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00AM – 3:00PM
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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
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1075 73rd St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Zokoe Team Five Star Real Estate
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:00PM
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250 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
