GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Mel Trotter Ministries will host its 21st Turkey Drop this year, working to collect some 5,000 frozen turkeys for those in need.
The Grand Rapids homeless shelter again partnered with Celebration Cinemas, the Muskegon Rescue Mission and Gateway Mission in Holland to run the annual charity drive. Feeding America West Michigan will store and distribute the turkeys.
The Turkey Drop will run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. There are six drop-off locations:
- Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North, 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Grand Rapids
- Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids South, 1506 Eastport Drive, Grand Rapids
- Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Mel Trotter Ministries Jenison Thrift Store, 7500 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison
- Muskegon Rescue Mission’s Men’s Shelter, 400 W Laketon Ave. Muskegon
- Gateway Mission Men’s Center, 166 S River Ave., Holland, MI 49424
In lieu of a turkey, people can make a financial donation to the program online at turkeydrop.org. Mel Trotter Ministries says every $20 works out to one turkey.
Last year, the Turkey Drop collected 5,514 turkeys, according to Mel Trotter Ministries.
The group said that this year, “the level of food insecurity is greater than ever.” Food pantries around West Michigan that benefited from the WOOD TV8 Football Frenzy Food Drive also noted higher demand, with one in Zeeland saying its client base has increased 104% in the last three years.
Thanksgiving is Nov. 28 this year.
