Monday October 10, 2022
World Homeless Day prompts call for much needed winter items
Grand Rapids, Mich. (Oct. 10, 2022) – Michigan is home to about 8,600 individuals experiencing homelessness, a group that’s extremely vulnerable during the wind-whipped freezing temperatures of our Michigan winters. That’s why Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, is launching its Code Blue Drive and turning up the urgency in their need for winter supplies.
“The bitter cold that’s coming in the months ahead presents a real danger to people living on the street,” said Beth Fisher, Chief Advancement Officer at Mel Trotter Ministries. “On a daily basis, these individuals face the threat of hypothermia, frost bite and possibly death. Having the appropriate clothing and outerwear can literally save the life of a neighbor in need.”
The Code Blue Drive runs now through December 31. Mel Trotter Ministries will collect new or like new items needed to help men, women and children during Michigan’s most extreme winter weather conditions. While all winter items are accepted, the following are needed urgently.
- Men’s jeans size 32-40 waist and 32 length
- Winter boots: Men’s size 9 -15 and Women’s size 6-12
- Sweatpants size L-4XL
- Sweatshirts size L -4XL
- Pillows (new)
Items can be dropped off at Mel Trotter Ministries’ primary location on 225 Commerce SW, or at partner locations around West Michigan – just look for the Blue Barrels.
- Everett’s Gardens, 240 84th St SE, Byron Center, MI 49315
- Alger Bikes, 120 28th St. SW, Grand Rapids
- Fastsigns, 3582 29th St SE, Ste. 101, Grand Rapids MI 49512
- Green Lake Calvary Church, 608 145th Ave., Caledonia, MI 49316
- Douglas J Institute, 138 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Builders Exchange of Michigan, 678 Front Ave NW, Suite 330. Grand Rapids
- Great Lakes Dental Care, 933 3 Mile Rd NW Suite 110, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
- Decade Products, 3710 SYSCO CT SE Grand Rapids MI, 49512
- Weller Truck Parts, 5960 Burlingame Ave. South, Suite C, Wyoming, MI 49509
- Blue Water Grill, 5180 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Bostwick Lake Inn, 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, MI 49341
- The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Pepsi Beverages/Pepsi Co., 3700 Kraft Ave Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
- Robinson Dental, 899 Reno Dr., Wayland, MI 49348
- Robinson Dental, 5749 28th Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
If you’d rather make a financial donation or if you’re a business that would like to host a blue collection barrel, please go to visit Meltrotter.org/events and click on Code Blue.
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About Mel Trotter Ministries
Established in 1900, Mel Trotter Ministries exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ, through rescue and restoration for anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness. MTM seeks to help end homelessness and walk with people on their faith journey. For more information about Mel Trotter Ministries, visit www.meltrotter.org or call 616-588-8792.
