Imagine being a mom and having your purse stolen with all your grocery money inside. Or being a single father, having to take time off of work with no pay to care for a sick child. Or being an elderly man on a fixed income, having to spend your grocery money on medication. These people all exist. And they all have something in common - they've all been helped because of thoughtful community members who have given to local food pantries.
November is often celebrated as a month of gratitude and giving, a time to reflect on our blessings and extend a helping hand to those in need. In Midland County, the spirit of giving shines bright with numerous opportunities to support the community through local food pantries, charitable organizations, and volunteer initiatives.
From donating food to fill pantry shelves to delivering Thanksgiving meals, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact this holiday season. Whether through a food or money donation or a few hours of your time, your contribution can bring joy and relief to neighbors in need.
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Stephanie YancerFood pantries and a new Giving Machine help give back this holiday season.Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN)
The
Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN) strives to provide pantries full of food, snacks and toiletries for the community to address food insecurity in the region. With pantries located through our area, there are plenty of ways to lend your support this season.
Midland County locations:
City of Midland locations:
Donations are gladly accepted and appreciated at each of the eight pantry locations around the county.
"Never should it be a luxury for people to have food in their pantries" says Terrah Johnson, Managing Director of the Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN).
Items such as cereal, pancake mix, hot cocoa, coffee, pasta, canned fruit, jelly, peanut butter, dish detergent, paper towels, and bar soap are helpful, but other items are accepted as well. Every contribution benefits local families by providing them relief during the sometimes stressful holiday season.
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Caregiving Network and Helping Hands Mission help feed those in need.Other organizations feeding families
Other organizations helping feed families include
Helping Hands Mission and
Caregiving Network. Helping Hands, located in Beaverton, provides food for residents of Gladwin, Clare, Midland, Bay and Isabella counties. Located on Grove Street in Midland, the Caregiving Network also runs a community food pantry as well as other programs that assist community members in need.
Another impactful way to give this season is to contribute to
The Bridge Food Center, a grocery store that sells food at near wholesale prices. While The Bridge does accept food donations, it does not entirely rely on donations from the community. It is, however, completely run by community volunteers, so if you're interested in giving your time, rather than donating food items this holiday season, consider contacting The Bridge.
Volunteer opportunities
If you have time to give this Thanksgiving, the
Midland County Food Assistance Network could use a few extra pairs of hands. They have partnered with
Aster Michigan to prepare and deliver meals to local families on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the food and also to deliver the meals on November 28. Even donating a few hours of your time can have a lasting impact on the families that rely on donations of food for the holidays. Learn more about this opportunity by visiting the
United Way of Midland County's volunteer services page.
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Stephanie YancerMake a difference globally with the only Michigan Giving MachineThe Light the Way Giving Machine
While you're out trying to mark some of those gifts off the list, we've got a simple, but impactful way for you to give back - stop and visit the
Light The Way Giving Machine at the Midland Mall.
"While you're out shopping in the mall, you can stop by the vending machine, donate, and be on your way," says Jimmy Greene, vice president of community relations for the Saginaw Spirit, "you can donate to provide warm meals, mental wellness opportunities, eyeglasses, car seats, even tooth brushes."
The philanthropic branch of the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation has partnered with local organizations such as
Lead,
Hidden Harvest,
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers and more to provide an easily accessible way to give back this season.
Greene states that this initiative reflects the gratitude of the
Saginaw Spirit for the community's support during the team's run for the Memorial Cup. By encouraging fans and residents to give back, the Light the Way Giving Machine provides an opportunity to remind fans and the community that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
The Giving Machine in the Midland Mall, sponsored by
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the first one to appear in Michigan. The machine will be available at the center of the Midland Mall from Nov. 20 - Dec. 31 making a convenient way to give back this season.
Make a difference this season
This month, let the spirit of gratitude and giving guide your actions. Whether by donating food, volunteering your time, or making a quick stop at the Light the Way Giving Machine, your contribution can bring comfort and joy to those in need. Midland County offers countless ways to give back, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share in the warmth of the season.
Together, let’s make this holiday season brighter for our neighbors and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.