Seelye Auto Group Sponsors The Harvest Food Drive & Free Distribution Event by Jesus Loves Kalamazoo

This October, Seelye Auto Group, along with other local businesses, is sponsoring The Harvest, a Food Drive and Free Distribution Event put together by Jesus Loves Kalamazoo.

Donations will take place at participating businesses and schools leading up to the event, please contact Jesus Loves Kalamazoo for more information regarding donations. On October 9th, from 1pm to 6pm, direct drop-offs can be made at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

JLK offered a suggested list of items needed for local families. For safety purposes, please no glass containers, only plastic and canned goods. THANK YOU!

• Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
• Pastas of All Kinds + Spaghetti Sauce
• Peanut Butter, Jelly
• Canned Vegetables
  (all kinds)
• Canned Soups & Stews
  Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Vegetable Beef
• Boxed Food of All Kinds
  Cereals, Hamburger Helper, etc.
• Seasonings
  Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Cinnamon, Onion Powder
• Personal Care Items
  Toothbrushes/Tooth Paste, Soap, Shampoo, Vitamins, Dental Floss, Diapers
• Powdered Drink Mixes
  Coffee, Reg Tea, Green Tea, Fruit Punch, Lemonade

Here is a communication from Mike Hartwigsen, Jesus Loves Kalamazoo Executive Director, addressed to current and potential community partners:

“This October 9th and 10th, St. Joseph Catholic Church on Lake Street will host the Jesus Loves Kzoo
Second Annual Harvest Community-Wide Food Drive
An opportunity for our entire community to come together in Love, Compassion, and Service. The Harvest supports struggling children and families in the Milwood, Edison, and Vine neighborhoods, our focus is on families connected to six local public elementary and middle schools. Currently, many households in these three neighborhoods have increased financial stress. Working in unity, we can help alleviate hardships caused by food insecurity. Last year, through the generosity of local residents, businesses, churches, schools, and community organizations, we collected enough food to serve 600 families. This year, our goal is even greater: Provide food for 1,000 families.

We invite you to be part of something truly special by:
• Hosting a food collection at your business, school, church, or organization
• Making a financial contribution to help purchase needed food items
• Donating nonperishable food, holiday meal essentials, or grocery gift cards
• Encouraging your employees, members, customers, neighbors, and friends to participate
• Volunteering your time to help collect, organize, and distribute donations

Every contribution matters. A single donation may seem small, but when our community comes together, it can make a life-changing difference for thousands of local children and their families. This is more than a food drive. “The Harvest” is a reflection of who we are as a community and how we care for one another. It is a chance to share hope and instill dignity in the true spirit of unity. Please join us in making this year’s Harvest bigger, stronger, and more compassionate than ever before. With your partnership, we can reach our goal of serving 1,000 families and give them a holiday season like no other.

Thank you for helping us show the very best of Kalamazoo through generosity, kindness, and love.
With gratitude,

Mike Hartwigsen
Executive Director”

A second page continued,

Due to the support of Harding’s Markets and Feeding America, we are able to purchase food at greatly reduced prices which means your dollars go even further. In addition, your company support will be acknowledged on our banners, social media and print materials. Last year, this event was covered by local TV stations, radio and print.

JesusLovesKzoo.org/DONATE or mail check to JLK, 507 Mills Street Ste A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
We would love to pick up your donation in-person so we can shake your hand and answer any questions about The Harvest or any other of our programs. If your organization would like to get involved with a food drive, please contact me personally: Mike Hartwigsen: 269-303-7009 call/text or [email protected]

Here is a suggested list of items needed for local families. For safety purposes, please no glass food products, only plastic and canned goods. THANK YOU!

• Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
• Pastas of All Kinds + Spaghetti Sauce
• Peanut Butter, Jelly
• Canned Vegetables
  (all kinds)
• Canned Soups & Stews
  Cream of Mushroom, Chicken Noodle, Vegetable Beef
• Boxed Food of All Kinds
  Cereals, Hamburger Helper, etc.
• Seasonings
  Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Cinnamon, Onion Powder
• Personal Care Items
  Toothbrushes/Tooth Paste, Soap, Shampoo, Vitamins, Dental Floss, Diapers
• Powdered Drink Mixes
  Coffee, Reg Tea, Green Tea, Fruit Punch, Lemonade

If you are interested in donating, volunteering or participating with this event- please visit Jesus Loves Kalamazoo’s website here : https://jesusloveskzoo.org/the-harvest/