Norman Rockwell always provided the picture perfect image of Thanksgiving with an over abundance of food on the table, happy family members all gathered around the turkey and all the warmth and glow of a glorious holiday. Unfortunately, that is not always the picture for many families, but the team at United Way of Southwest Michigan and Meijer of Stevensville & Benton Harbor are joining forces in a bid to replicate that image through Operation Thanksgiving.
For the third year in a row, the Meijer stores in both Stevensville and Benton Harbor are providing 150 Thanksgiving food baskets to those in need of holiday food assistance in Berrien County. To receive a basket, advance registration is required by calling 2-1-1.
Rob Vassar, Store Director at the Stevensville Meijer, says, “At Meijer, supporting the communities we serve, combating hunger, and working with United Way are all very important to us,” and adds, “Operation Thanksgiving is a way for us to give thanks to our customers and help families enjoy a special meal together.”
Pickup of the Thanksgiving baskets will be held on Saturday, November 21st at Kinexus in Benton Harbor. Berrien County residents who have pre-registered for a basket will remain in their cars while volunteers place food in their vehicles.
Anna Murphy, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Michigan, says, “We are grateful for the support that Meijer provides to the community and to United Way at Thanksgiving and throughout the year,” adding, “Their leadership and generosity are especially important during a holiday season that will harder for many families this year.”
For more information about Operation Thanksgiving, visit the link below:
http://uwsm.org/operation-thanksgiving
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. They have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, they provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable populations in the community, while addressing the root causes of the community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit online at: http://www.uwsm.org
