November 27th, 2025
By: WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) —
Mel Trotter held its Thanksgiving Day feast at Devos Place in Grand Rapids, making sure people in need had a place to go on the holiday.
The event spanning 125 years serves more than 1,500 people in need, including those experiencing homelessness.
The free event was held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Meal prep began at 5 a.m., with hundreds of volunteers joining Mel Trotter staff members and community partners to cook and serve the meal. Service started at 11 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m.
Organizers said they planned to serve 400 turkeys, 2,400 pounds of potatoes, 3,000 dinner rolls and 700 pounds of green beans this year.
“Each year, the power of faith and kindness come together at this event so that we can provide food, comfort, and fellowship to people struggling to make ends meet,” said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, in a statement. “Our annual community meal is our largest event and one of our favorites because it allows us to fulfill our mission of demonstrating the compassion of Jesus Christ to our neighbors who are facing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan.”
The Rapid offered free rides to and from DeVos Place for the event. Mel Trotter also handed out winter coats, hats and gloves.
Stephanie Hickman enjoyed her meal and was happy to come back to experience the comradery.
“It’s a relief and it’s an opportunity to fellowship and meet new people. Like I met a new family and friends,” Hickman said.
The last time she was here two years ago, the meal came at a point in her life when she was in the greatest need.
“I lived at Dégagé for nine months and things like this was my only option. I didn’t have another option and that’s why I’m grateful. And essentially with the way the economy and things are changing right now, this is something that’s very much needed,” Hickman said.
It takes more than 700 volunteers to make the feast possible.
Janis Petrini has volunteered at Mel Trotter for more than 20 years and has spent 12 years helping out at the community meal.
“It’s the highlight of my Thanksgiving. I love to be able to come, love to be able to share Thanksgiving meal with my community members. It’s just a blessing to be here and also to see all the volunteers and just come together for a Thanksgiving meal with everyone here,” Petrini said.
The volunteers make sure every guest is well fed and leaves feeling appreciated.
“I think being in relationship with other people is what we all need. And so whether you needed a place to go or you maybe might have been alone or for whatever reason that you came today, you’re amongst friends and there’s plenty of love here and plenty of relationship here and that makes all the difference,” Petrini said.
Editor’s note: Organizers originally said they would be serving 180 turkeys, but later clarified that they would actually be serving 400.
