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Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Mel Trotter Ministries collecting coats for homeless across Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Mich. (Aug. 16, 2022) – In the midst of a Michigan Summer, it’s easy to forget about the freezing temperatures that are just a couple of months away. But at Mel Trotter Ministries, the staff is busy planning a coat drive to ensure those living on the streets have a coat to protect them from the dangerous cold ahead.

“Winters are a difficult season for those experiencing homelessness in West Michigan,” said Dennis VanKampen, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “And something as simple as a coat can help protect someone from hypothermia, frost bite, and even death.”

Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, will launch their month-long coat drive for new or gently used coats starting September 1. They have partnered with Mercantile Bank and Curtis Cleaners to provide a variety of drop off locations throughout Grand Rapids.

“We are proud to work with Mel Trotter Ministries on this important community initiative, “said Cathy Calveneau, Vice President, Branch Manager, Mercantile Bank. “It is our hope that as people are preparing their own family for winter, they’ll donate their gently used coats or even pick up an extra coat for those in need and drop them off at one of our drop off locations.”

Coats can be dropped off during the entire month of September at the following Mercantile Bank, Curtis Cleaner locations as well as Mel Trotter Ministries:

Mercantile Bank, 310 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
Mercantile Bank, 3156 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids
Mercantile Bank, 4737 Cascade Rd SE
Mercantile Bank 4613 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Mercantile Bank, 5610 Byron Center Ave SW, Grand Rapids
Curtis Cleaners, 450 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids
Curtis Cleaners, 1410 West Main, Lowell

Due to construction, Mel Trotter Ministries will only be a drop off location during ArtPrize (Sept. 15 – Oct. 2), when their installation “A Walk In Their Shoes” will be exhibited at Mel Trotter Park (across from 225 Commerce Ave, Grand Rapids).

Mel Trotter Ministries hopes to collect 600 coats in September for those in need so men, women and families can pick out coats free of charge in October.

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