Code Blue Drive
blue barrel
November 1 – December 31, 2025
We’re collecting items in blue barrels at the downtown location and partner organizations across West Michigan.
“Code blue” is a term used by MTM to describe the most extreme winter conditions in West Michigan, when temperatures fall significantly and stay below freezing over a period of time – putting men, women and children who are exposed to the elements at severe risk of hypothermia, frost bite or even death.
Collecting Winter Items
Keep your neighbors in need safe and warm this season by donating items to protect them from the harsh Michigan winters.
Winter Warm Up List
New or like new winter weather items for men, women and children.
- 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
New or like new items items may be dropped off at any of the Code Blue Drive drop off sites (look for the blue barrels) our downtown location at 225 Commerce Ave
Drop-off Locations
Age Management of West Michigan
1959 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 5PM
Douglas J Institute
138 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hours: Mon 9AM-4PM; Tues-Fri 9AM-10PM; Sat 9AM-4:30PM
Mel Trotter Ministries
225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10AM – 3PM
Mel Trotter Thrift Stores
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
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9AM – 9PM
Mercantile Bank
Alpine – 4613 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
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
Wyoming – 5610 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM
Mol Belting
2532 Waldorf Ct NW, Walker, MI 49544
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM
Robinson Dental
Cascade – 5749 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Coopersville – 502 W Randall St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Wayland – 899 Reno Dr, Wayland, MI 49348
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7AM – 5PM
Sparks Belting
5005 Kraft Ave SE #1, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM
TRV FIT Fitness SW Grand Rapids
1075 73rd St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Please visit their website for daily hours
Waxology
Breton – 1844 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Grandville – 4365 Canal Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Knapp – 2088 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Rockford – 54 Courtland St, Suite F, Rockford, MI 49341
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 6PM; Saturday, 9AM – 2PM
Zokoe Team – Five Star Real Estate
250 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4PM
Event FAQ
What is the Code Blue Drive?
Code Blue means that people experiencing homelessness are in danger of hypothermia, frost bite and other cold weather related injuries if they do not seek shelter. During this time, MTM staff take extra precautions to ensure our homeless neighbors are safe and warm.
How does my Company/Church become a Code Blue Drive Drop-Off Site?
Fill out the participation form below to let us know of your interest.
If you have questions contact [email protected]
Your location will be added to the website as a public drop off location you would like.
I would like to donate used clothes or items.
While we are grateful that you are thinking of helping people who are experiencing homelessness, please carefully consider what you donate before you give. It is our priority to help our guests feel dignified and valued. We only accept new or like-new items that are washed and clean.
Can I host drives at other times of year?
If you’d like to host a drive other times of the year, Mel Trotter collects in-kind goods year-round. Please go to www.meltrotter.org/donate for details.
What happened to the Fall/Holiday food drive?
In an effort to reduce the duplication of services, Mel Trotter Ministries no longer hosts a food drive because there are several other agencies in the greater Grand Rapids area that support low-income families with emergency food supplies through their food pantry. If you would like more information about area food pantries, please call 2-1-1.
