Louise Wrege
Dec 22, 2023
SMCAA's 8th Annual Holiday Share
BENTON HARBOR — Almost 400 families received the fixings for a nice meal Thursday during the Holiday Food Sharing Program, sponsored by the city of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool Corp. and the PGA of America.
“This is our eighth annual holiday food share,” said Brandon Haney, championship director of the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “This is an opportunity for us to partner with our great friends at Whirlpool and the city of Benton Harbor to give back to our community.”
The food was passed out at the warehouse of the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Benton Harbor.
SMCAA Executive Director Kim Smith Oldham said recipients were given turkey, fish, chicken, canned goods, dairy products, apples and potatoes.
“It’s a big food basket,” Oldham said. “It’s a great partnership.”
She said her organization handled the applications for the program, as well as the storing of food until it could be handed out.
Haney said about 20 volunteers passed out the food as cars drove by. The vehicles were lined up in anticipation of the program, where volunteers filled the trunks with the makings of a holiday meal.
“It’s one of our favorite events of the year ... that we get to give back to a community that’s welcomed us and our championship,” Haney said. “We appreciate the community being so supportive of us. This is one small thing we like to do to give back to those who need and deserve a good meal during the holidays. And we’re looking forward to hosting our championship again, next May.”
For further information about the community action agency, visit www.smcaa.com, or call 925-9077.