Despite the winter chill, one of the most heartwarming scenes of the year is poised to play out once again soon when the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency steps out with partners from the City of Benton Harbor, the PGA of America, and Whirlpool Corporation for the 4th Annual Holiday Food Sharing Program.
As the chill of winter hits Michigan’s Great Southwest, warmth and generosity is pouring in for local residents in who could use a little hand-up this holiday season, as the Holiday Food Sharing Program collects and distributes approximately 400 turkeys and food boxes to local area residents and families hopeful for a bit of assistance from Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township, St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township and other Berrien County Communities.
On December 21st all the partners will convene for the distribution, but there is an application requirement that residents hopeful of being in on must complete first.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad says, “It is the season for giving and we are proud to partner with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency for the fourth year in a row to lend a hand by providing meals for our neighbors and friends.” He adds, “Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation, we will reach families and residents across all our communities this year.”
All interested residents must apply for the Holiday Food Sharing Program to be considered. Registration is currently open and runs through Monday, December 17th 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: 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
- St. Joseph Township Hall: 3000 Washington Ave. St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Benton Charter Township Hall: 1725 Territorial Rd Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Region 4 Area Agency on Aging: 2900 Lakeview Ave. St. Joseph, MI 49085
- 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
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. Distribution of the turkeys and food boxes will occur on Friday, December 21st.
Jeff Noel, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Whirlpool Corporation, says, “The Holiday Food Sharing Program is a small way to show support for our neighbors and inspire a chain of giving across our local communities.”
Since the program’s founding in 2015, the SMCAA has helped more than 1,250 families in and around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
Ryan Ogle, Championship Director of the 2020 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.” Ogle adds, “It is a privilege to give back in a neighborly way and bring some holiday cheer to our community.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program, you can visit www.smcaa.com or call (269)925-9077.
For more information about the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, visit online at 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. These 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.
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, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. For more information about the PGA of America, visit online at www.PGA.org.
Whirlpool Corporation is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 93,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2016. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find them on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.
