WYOMING, Mich. — What has now become an annual tradition, a West Michigan woman is reaching out to the community to help those struggling with homelessness.
Denise Kolesar says that this issue is very dear to her heart.
“I think my sister would be pretty pleased. She was a very giving, loving person who did a lot of outreach in the year she was here,” she said.
Valerie, her sister, dealt with homelessness. She passed away in California.
Denise is now on a mission to spread joy and give back to those in need this holiday season. Her initiative, a community drive to collect backpacks and purses filled with self-care items for individuals experiencing homelessness, is already gaining momentum in West Michigan.
"For me, this is my Christmas," Denise shared. "This is my joy—an opportunity to give back. And that's what we're offering to the residents of West Michigan: the chance to give back with a simple stuffed backpack or a stuffed purse."
Denise's goal is ambitious: to collect 150 totes, bags and purses for women, and 100 backpacks for men. These filled bags will be distributed to those who may not have access to everyday necessities but still deserve a sense of normalcy and care.
Items that will go into the bags include small notepads, pens, tissues, lip gloss, combs, mirrors, snacks, water bottles, lotion and even accessories like scarves for women and hand warmers for men. Additionally, hats, gloves, socks and ChapStick will help provide warmth during the colder months.
"It's a simple way to show people they are cared for," Denise added. "It’s about bringing comfort—whether it's a small snack or a pair of gloves."
The community can contribute to the cause by dropping off donations at Marge’s Donut Den, located on 28th Street in Wyoming. The shop is accepting donations daily from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a special community-wide drop-off event on Tuesday, November 19, until 7 p.m.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the campaign’s Facebook or stop by Marge’s Donut Den.
How to help:
What to donate: New or gently-used backpacks or purses, and small items like socks, hats, gloves, snacks, toiletries, and hand warmers.
Drop-off location: Marge’s Donut Den, 28th Street, Wyoming, MI
Drop-off hours: 4 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily; special community drop-off on November 19 from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful impact this holiday season.