One of the most heartwarming holiday traditions in Michigan’s Great Southwest will be back for the fifth consecutive year next week, but to be a part of it registration is now underway in the city of Benton Harbor.
As the chill of winter hits the region, warmth and generosity is pouring in for local residents in need again this holiday season. The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) is preparing for its 5th Annual Holiday Food Sharing Program sponsored by the City of Benton Harbor, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation.
The Holiday Food Sharing Program collects and distributes approximately 400 turkeys and food boxes to local area residents and families in need of assistance from Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township and St. Joseph.
Mayor Marcus Muhammad, Mayor of Benton Harbor, says, “It is the season for giving and this is a year people really need a hand. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency by providing meals for our neighbors and friends,” and adds, “Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we will reach families and residents across all three communities for the fifth year in a row.”
All interested residents must apply in advance for the Holiday Food Sharing Program in order to be considered. Registration runs through this Friday, December 18th at 4:30 pm ET. Applications are available at the following locations:
- Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency: 185 East Main St, S303, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- United Way of Southwest Michigan: 2015 Lakeview Ave, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
- The Department of Health and Human Services: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI. 49023
- Benton Harbor City Hall: 200 E. Wall St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- City of St, Joseph: 700 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Benton Charter Township: 1725 Territorial Rd Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Mosaic: 510 W. Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Michigan Works: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- The Emergency Shelter Services: 645 Pipestone St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- The Salvation Army: 233 Michigan St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Benton Harbor/Benton Township Senior Services, Inc: 225 Colfax Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Distribution of the turkeys and food boxes will occur on Wednesday, December 23rd, and applications need to be turned in at the SMCAA office to receive immediate notification and pick-up instructions. All others will be notified by mail. Due to COVID-19, the Food Share Program will be done in a drive-thru format.
Jeff Noel, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Whirlpool Corporation, says, “Covid 19 has been a year like no other and too many of our neighbors have experienced challenges and hardships. This is a small way to let them know our community cares about and respects them during this holiday season.”
Since the program’s founding in 2015, the SMCAA has helped more than 600 families in and around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
Brandon Haney, Championship Director of the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, says, “The community has embraced the PGA of America and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship since 2012 and Benton Harbor has become our home.” He adds, “It is a privilege to give back, especially in times like these. We are hoping this brings some holiday cheer to our community.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program, you can visit http://www.smcaa.com or call (269) 925-9077.
For more information about the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, visit http://www.smcaa.com or call (269) 925-9077.
The Southwest Community Action Agency (SMCAA) exists to assist people in economic need and enable them to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency while respecting their diversity. In order to accomplish the mission, they establish, coordinate and carry out programs to promote the health, education and welfare of Michigan residents with particular emphasis on low-income residents of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. Those programs include, but are not limited to; the provision and repair of affordable meals and food substances for persons qualifying for assistance in their homes or gathering places, and other educational programs and any other activity designed to provide for the well-being, education and self-sufficiency of the population. Operating programs require us to apply for, receive, administer and disburse federal, state, local and private funds, as well as form partnership with the government and private entities sharing our purpose.
The PGA of America is the world’s largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions.
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, with approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 77,000 employees and 59 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2019. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world.
The file photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is from the 2017 Holiday Food Sharing event in Benton Harbor.
