Tony Wittkowski - Herald Palladium
Dec 19, 2020
Danae Donatello joins volunteers as they distribute holiday food in 2018 during the Holiday Food Sharing Program at the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Benton Harbor.
BENTON HARBOR — The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency will hold its fifth annual Holiday Food Sharing Program on Wednesday.
The Holiday Food Sharing Program collects and distributes about 400 turkeys and food boxes to residents and families in need of assistance from Benton Harbor, Benton Township and St. Joseph.
The program is sponsored by the city of Benton Harbor, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corp.
“It is the season for giving and this is a year people really need a hand. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency by providing meals for our neighbors and friends,” Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad said in a news release. “Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, we will reach families and residents across all three communities for the fifth year in a row.”
Distribution of the turkeys and food boxes will take place on Dec. 23. Due to COVID-19, the Food Share Program will be done in a drive-thru format.
“COVID-19 has been a year like no other and too many of our neighbors have experienced challenges and hardships. This is a small way to let them know our community cares about and respects them during this holiday season,” said Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool.
Since the program’s founding in 2015, the SMCAA has helped more than 600 families in and around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
“The community has embraced the PGA of America and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship since 2012 and Benton Harbor has become our home,” Brandon Haney, championship director of the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, said in the release. “It is a privilege to give back, especially in times like these. We are hoping this brings some holiday cheer to our community.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program, visit www.smcaa.com, or call 925-9077.