Thanksgiving Community Meal

Mel Trotter Ministries will host a free, traditional Thanksgiving Community Meal for individuals and families experiencing homelessness as well as anyone in the greater Grand Rapids community who is looking for fellowship around a Thanksgiving table.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER

Date & Time

Thursday, November 26, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location

DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Schedule

Doors Open: 10:30 AM
Meal: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Free Transportation to the Thanksgiving Community Meal is generously provided by The Rapid along defined routes. View the Route Map Here

How Would You Like to Participate?

Join us today to meet the urgent needs of the community.

Volunteer

Help your Grand Rapids community by volunteering. Volunteer opportunities will open this Summer.

Register

Sponsor

Review the sponsorship opportunities and consider becoming a sponsor.

Sponsor

Attend the meal

Join us for the Thanksgiving Community Meal at DeVos Place.

Get Details

*By attending one of our events, you’re granting MTM the rights to any photographs taken during the event. If you prefer not to be included in any photography or video recordings, please email Allison Eischer.

Presenting Sponsor

$25,000

Includes all benefits listed in previous sponsor tiers, and your name/logo will be displayed on the following event materials as Presenting Sponsor:

Mentioned from stage during event remarks
Banner inside ballroom (provided by sponsor)
Table signage displayed on all tables
Recognition in media release

Become a Presenting Sponsor

Gathering Sponsor

$10,000

Includes all benefits listed in previous sponsor tiers, and your name/logo will be displayed on the following event materials as Gathering Sponsor:

Displayed at volunteer registration
MTM website with direct link to your website and recognition on social media channels
Table signage displayed at 40 tables

Become a Gathering Sponsor

Gratitude Sponsor

$5,000

Includes all benefits listed in previous sponsor tiers, and your name/logo will be displayed on the following event materials as Gratitude Sponsor:

Table signage displayed at 20 tables
Recognition in MTM’s newsletter

Become a Gratitude Sponsor

Harvest Sponsor

$1,500

Your name/logo will be displayed on the following event materials as Harvest Sponsor:

MTM website and social media channels
Scrolling PowerPoint presentation projected on a large screen during the event
Table signage displayed at 10 tables

Become a Harvest Sponsor

Event FAQ

What time will meal time be served?

The meal will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Is transportation provided?

Yes, The Rapid generously provides free transportation on the day of the event. Click HERE to see The Rapid bus route.

What time should I arrive if I am a volunteer?

Please arrive 30 mins before the time of your shift to check-in and receive instructions.

Where can I park?

Parking is available free of charge on Thanksgiving Day on the lower level at DeVos Place. The Public Parking lots across the street at the front of the building are NOT FREE. If you volunteer on Wednesday, we will provide parking validation passes.

Can I bring my relative or friend who is visiting for the holiday? Can I just show up?

We wish to discourage walk-ins at the event because of limited volunteer slots.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities still available. Click the link to view opportunities.

What is the bus route?

Bus Route

How else can I help?

Give a Thanksgiving meal for just $2.87. Your gift serves a Thanksgiving meal in the Mel Trotter Ministries’ cafeteria or at our annual Thanksgiving meal service.