GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids nonprofit will serve free holiday meals and distribute winter essentials to community members on Saturday.
Guiding Light, a nonprofit focused on addiction recovery, will host its annual Christmas community meal Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at its headquarters at 255 S. Division in Grand Rapids. The event is open to residents of the Heartside neighborhood and surrounding areas.
"At Guiding Light, we believe in the power of community, especially during the holidays," said Brian Elve, executive director of Guiding Light. "Our Christmas Community Meal is a chance for us to come together and offer warmth, support, and a sense of belonging to those who may be struggling."
The organization will also distribute winter gear including coats, hats, boots and blankets during the event.
Last month, they hosted a Thanksgiving meal that drew more than 450 people. At that event, the nonprofit gave away 634 pairs of boots and shoes, 134 winter coats and 129 winter hats.
The Christmas meal will be served by volunteers, staff members and clients of Guiding Light. Local business owners Larry and Jo Baareman of Fleet Compliance Group are supporting the event.
Elisha Ash, Guiding Light's women's program manager, said the organization aims to create "an atmosphere of safety, love and support" through events like the community meal.
Organizers expect attendance to be similar to that of the Thanksgiving event.
