Giving those in need something to be thankful for

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Around the holiday season, West Michigan food pantries often see an increase in need. One local pantry is stepping up to answer the call.

Volunteers at Mel Trotter Ministries spent Monday morning boxing up hundreds of meals. The holidays start a little early at Mel Trotter where more than 500 boxes were filled with everything needed for a holiday meal. Those at Mel Trotter say now, more than ever, there is a need.

“We've seen about a 40 percent increase,” said Dennis Wagner, VP of operations at Mel Trotter Ministries.

Monday morning saw an assembly line of cheer as hundreds of folks in need were helped by dozens of volunteers. The first stop was for a box of non-perishable items, then it was on for fresh-fruit, bread, and of course the turkey.

All those meals almost didn't happen due to low donations, but then Meijer stepped in.

“Food is the one big thing where donations are down right now,” said Wagner.

What is donated is welcomed by those like Curtis Griffin, and his wife, who are first time pantry users who say the food gives them something to be thankful for.

“It's going to make it a little bit better, a lot better,” said Griffin.

It's a trend that those at Mel Trotter say is becoming all too common.

“People who used to bring in bags of groceries and give to us the last couple years are some of those coming in and standing in line to get some this year,” said Wagner.

More boxes of food will be given away Tuesday at Mel Trotter's other location. The ministry will also be serving a hot meal in downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday.