Everybody loves an encore, and there's one coming later this month that will absolutely warm the hearts of hundreds of families in Michigan's Great Southwest just in time for the holiday season. While the chill of winter is arriving on our doorstep, so is the warmth and generosity of several generous organizations ready to share.
The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency has announced its 2nd 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 400 turkeys and food boxes to local area residents and families in need of assistance from Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township and St. Joseph, Michigan.
In making the announcement, Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad said, “It is the season for giving and we are proud to continue our partnership with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency to lend a hand in a time of need by providing meals for our neighbors and friends.” He says, “Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we are fortunate to expand the Holiday Food Sharing Program this year to reach families and residents across all three communities this year.”
All interested residents must apply for the Holiday Food Sharing Program in order to be considered. Registration began today, Monday, December 5 and runs through Monday, December 19 at 4:30pm. 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
- 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 Thursday, December 22 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.
Jeff Noel is Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Whirlpool Corporation. He 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 600 families in and around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
From the PGA of America point of view, Championship Director Ryan Ogle of the 2016 and 2018 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships 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 in a neighborly way and bring some holiday cheer to our community.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program or the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency itself, you can click this link: www.smcaa.com or call (269)925-9077.
For more information about the Whirlpool Corporation, click this link: www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
For more information about the PGA of America, the link to click is this one: www.PGA.org.
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.
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, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions.
Whirlpool Corporation is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2015. 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.
The photo accompanying this story at Moody on the Market.com shows the Holiday Food Sharing event from last December.
