GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — West Michigan's largest provider of services for people experiencing homelessness is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day community meal.
Mel Trotter Ministries' event is free and open to the public, and meals will be served at DeVos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW) starting at 11 a.m. The event is scheduled to wrap up at 1 p.m.
Gilmore Collection, a Grand Rapids-based catering and restaurant group, will help cook the turkeys and make humanmade rolls for the meals.
Volunteers in the kitchen will start preparing the food at 5 a.m.
“The Gilmore Collection and Gilmore Catering are humbled by the opportunity to partner with Mel Trotter in giving back to the people of Grand Rapids on Thanksgiving Day. This is a time of year for reflection, and we are filled with gratitude for the West Michigan community that has supported us since 1978,” said Angela Shea, Director of Events at Gilmore Catering.
Places like Blue Water Grill, Bostwick Lake Inn, Flat River Grill and Kirby House all make up the Gilmore Collection's 10 restaurants.
Those who attend can expect to eat a portion of:
- 180 turkeys
- 2,400 pounds of potatoes
- 240 pounds of stuffing
- 600 pounds of green beans
- 600 pounds of green bean casserole
- 60 gallons of gravy
All told, about 500 volunteers will help prepare and serve up the meals to the expected 2,000 attendees.
In addition to a free meal and time to spend with others on Thanksgiving, those in need in Grand Rapids will also be offered a free coat.
You can find a free shuttle from The Rapid to DeVos Place for those in need of ride.
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