Grand Rapids, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2023) – Michigan’s autumn weather and fall colors can lift our spirits and bring an appreciation of nature’s splendor, but for those without a roof over their head, it’s a subtle warning of the dangerous winter weather to come. That’s why Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, is once again launching its annual Code Blue Drive to help our neighbors in need. The drive runs now through December 31.
“For many of us, a white Christmas like the one we had last year is a dream come true,” said Dennis Van Kampen, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “But for the population we serve, a snowstorm like we had last Christmas can bring fear, pain and hardship to individuals lacking shelter and the proper winter clothing to protect themselves. Our mission is to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to anyone experiencing hunger or homelessness and we need the support of the entire community to do that.”
Mel Trotter’s goal is to collect new or like new items to help men, women and children during Michigan’s winter weather conditions. While all winter clothing items are accepted, there is an enormous need for the following items.
• Men’s and women’s coats sizes L-3XL
• Men’s jeans sizes 32”- 40” waist with a 32” inseam
• Waterproof winter boots: Men’s sizes 9-15 and Women’s sizes 6-12
• Sweatpants size Large-4XL
• Sweatshirts size Large-4XL
Items can be dropped off at the Mel Trotter Ministries’ shelter at 225 Commerce SW, one of the six MTM Thrift Store locations, or at one of our generous partner locations around West Michigan – just look for the Blue Barrels.
This year, Mel Trotter is once again partnering with Mercantile Bank to collect new or like new winter coats and clothing for individuals and families in need. For the next three months, these items can be dropped off at any of the Mercantile Bank locations in Kent County listed below.
• Mercantile Bank, 310 Leonard St. NW
• Mercantile Bank, 3156 Knapp St. NE
• Mercantile Bank, 4737 Cascade Rd. SE
• Mercantile Bank, 4613 Alpine Ave. NW
• Mercantile Bank, 5610 Byron Center Ave. SW
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Mel Trotter Ministries on this important initiative,” said Cathy Calveneau, Vice President, Branch Manager, Mercantile Bank. “As a Grand Rapids-based bank, we are committed to giving back and strengthening the areas we serve. It is our hope that the community will help pitch in some winter gear for this worthy cause.”
Additional partners include:
• Blue Water Grill, 5180 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids, MI
• Bostwick Lake Inn, 8521 Belding Rd., Rockford, MI
• Builders Exchange of Michigan, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 330, Grand Rapids, MI
• Everett’s Gardens, 240 84th St. SE, Byron Center, MI
• Fastsigns, 3582 29th St. SE, Ste. 101, Grand Rapids MI
• Green Lake Calvary Church, 608 145th Ave., Caledonia, MI
• Kellogg Community Credit Union, 2270 Gezon Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI
• Pepsi Beverages, 3700 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
• Starbucks, 5070 28th St. SE Suite D, Grand Rapids, MI
• Vicinity Energy, 156 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI
• Zeeland Farm Services, 2525 84th Ave., Zeeland, MI
If you’d like to make a financial gift in support of the Code Blue Drive, or host a blue barrel at your organization, please visit meltrotter.org/codebluedrive. A full list of blue barrel locations— more than 40 across West Michigan—can also be found at Mel Trotter’s website.
