Some folks are simply altruistic. But for those of us who feel a bit blue this time of year, helping others has been proven to help us, too. Whatever your motivation, we’ve got you covered with volunteer opportunities and fundraiser events along the Lakeshore. Be true to your school and join an alumni team to donate blood, or take part in a live auction at Modales Wines while sipping something delightful. The following events take place from mid-December to mid-January.
If your organization has an upcoming volunteer or fundraising event, tell us about it at contact@thelakeshorewm.com.
Lakeshore Networking/Fundraiser Event for Ladders of Hope
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8
Where: Modales Wines, 2128 62nd St., Fennville
The monthly Lakeshore Networking event will be held at Modales Wines in Fennville. Not only will this be a networking event, it will also be a fundraiser for Ladders of Hope food pantry in Fennville. Donations may be in any amount. There will be a live auction with items donated by local area businesses. If your business would like to make a donation for this fundraiser, email Melissa Brower
lakeshorenetworking2021@gmail.com. Hosts are Jim and Carol Gonzalez - Modales Wines (Facebook:
facebook.com/modaleswines, Website:
modaleswines.com.) All are welcome. Bring a friend and business cards. For more information visit
happeningnext.com/event/nov-dec-lakeshore-networking-fundraiser-event-at-modales-wines-eid3a08cxlj6f.
West Michigan Alumni Blood Bowl
Organization: Versiti Blood Center of Michigan
When: Through Dec. 15
Where: 1036 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Just a short drive to Grand Rapids and donating blood becomes a team sport. Go Blue! Go Spartans! Go Irish! Go...that school down south. Everyone can show off their school spirit while saving lives. Four universities — Michigan State University, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University — might be rivals on the field, but their local West Michigan alumni clubs are coming together in a friendly challenge to save lives. Through Wednesday, Dec. 15, volunteers are encouraged to donate blood at the
Versiti Blood Center of Michigan Grand Rapids donor center on behalf of their alumni club to count towards the West Michigan Alumni Blood Bowl competition. May the best school win! For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit
versiti.org/ways-to-give/our-communities/michigan/west-michigan-alumni-blood-bowl or call 866-642-5663.
You can stay on the Lakeshore to give blood via the American Red Cross. In Grand Haven at the North Ottawa Community Hospital you even get a t-shirt for donating. Spread cheer and come give blood between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2 for an exclusive long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt. Quantities are limited. Visit
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find a drive near you.
DTE Energy Foundation Holiday Meals
Organization: AgeWell Services
When: Thursday, Dec. 16
Where: Various locations throughout Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties
This free meal for adults 60 years and older is made possible by the DTE Energy Foundation, the Muskegon County Senior Millage, and Senior Resources of West Michigan. Together they pool resources to serve meals to more than 3,000 people. Reservations are required, and space is limited. Call 2-1-1 to reserve a spot. To volunteer, contact AgeWell’s volunteer coordinator, Jessica Shagonaby, at
jessica@agewellservices.org or mail her at 275 W. Clay Ave., Suite 100, Muskegon, MI 49440. AgeWell’s phone number is (231) 755-0434 or 1-800-442-6769.
For details, visit
agewellservices.org/dte-energy-holiday-meal/.
Holiday Meal Locations:
Muskegon County
Tanglewood Park — Driftwood Cafe, 560 Seminole Road, Muskegon
Serving Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. No reservations needed for the Driftwood Cafe.
This site will be to-go only and delivered curbside. Due to safety and space concerns, vehicles will be asked to not line up prior to 10:30 a.m.
Egelcraft Mobile Home Park, 2129 Arrowhead Drive, Muskegon
Serving Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ravenna First Reformed Church, 3327 Mortimer St., Ravenna
Serving Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
SHAWL Apartments, 225 South Hall St., Whitehall
Serving Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pine Grove Manor, 1764 East Apple Ave., Muskegon
Serving Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Orchard View Community Education Center, 1765 Ada Ave., Muskegon
Serving Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Muskegon Jefferson Towers, 1077 Jefferson St., Muskegon
Serving Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Holton United Methodist Church, 9530 Holton-Duck Lake Road, Holton
Serving Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Oceana County
The Ladder Community Center of Shelby, 67 N. State St., Shelby
Serving Time: 11:30 a.m. for to-go, noon for dine-in
Ottawa County
Four Pointes/Grand Haven, 1051 S. Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven
Serving Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Georgetown Connections Senior Center, 7100 Eighth Ave., Jenison
Serving Time: 11 a.m. for to-go, noon for dine-in
Hoffmaster State Park Volunteer Stewardship Workday
Organization: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
When: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12
Where: Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon, MI 49441
Meet by the ranger booth at the park entrance. Volunteer stewards will continue the anti-barberry campaign at this beautiful lakeshore park. Volunteers will focus on Japanese barberry along the road that threatens to climb into sensitive dunes. Register by emailing Emily at
LeslieE1@Michigan.gov.
Additional information is available via the
DNR Volunteer Stewardship webpage. For details about invasive species, visit
michigan.gov/Invasives.
Please Note: Dates occasionally change and events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons. Call the event contact to confirm dates/times prior to arrival.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park Volunteer Stewardship Workday
Organization: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck Township
Meet at the trailhead near the Felt Mansion. Help keep invasive shrubs out of dunes by removing pesky Japanese barberry and other unwanted plants from the forest. Volunteers will learn to identify these unwanted shrubs and will join in the effort to restore our native forest type by cutting and removing them. Registration is required by emailing Emily Leslie at
LeslieE1@michigan.gov.
For more information on the program, visit the
Volunteer Stewardship webpage. For details about invasive species, visit
michigan.gov/Invasives.
Please Note: Dates occasionally change and events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons. Call the event contact to confirm dates/times prior to your arrival.