Thanksgiving meal available to the community

Nonprofit

Nov 25

Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Community Meal on Thursday, November 28. The event is free and open to anyone seeking food, shelter or fellowship. This year, Mel Trotter expects to host more than 2,000 men, women, and children as families in the region continue to deal with persistent food insecurity and a shortage of affordable housing.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for members of our community who may be struggling to make ends meet,” said Chris Palusky, CEO, Mel Trotter Ministries. “This event provides a safe and welcoming place for people to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal while connecting with others in our community.”

Mel Trotter staff, community partners, and more than 500 volunteers will join forces once again to prepare the annual meal. The kitchen team will prepare 180 turkeys, 2,400 pounds of potatoes, 3,000 dinner rolls, 240 pounds of stuffing, 700 pounds of green beans, 700 pounds of candied carrots, and 60 gallons of gravy.

The Gilmore Collection, comprised of 10 West Michigan restaurants, including Blue Water Grill, Bostwick Lake Inn, Flat River Grill and Kirby House, is again partnering with Mel Trotter on this event. The Gilmore team will cook all the turkeys and make homemade rolls for the meal.

“We’re grateful for the generosity of our community partners, volunteers and donors – without them, none of this would be possible,” said Pam Liggett, Director of Development, Mel Trotter. “Still, we encourage everyone in our community to remember our neighbors in need this holiday season and to consider donating to Mel Trotter so that we can continue to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to people facing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan.”