Thanksgiving donation opportunities plentiful in St. Joseph County
Want to give food, winter apparel, hygiene items, or more to your fellow community members? We explain how.
Earlier this week, Watershed Voice shared information about meals open to the public leading up to, during, and after Thanksgiving. As promised, here’s our rundown of local donation opportunities and other services.
The Thanksgiving For All Annual Food Drive is going on now at the St. Joseph County United Way. The organization wants to have 500 families celebrate Thanksgiving this year, and there are multiple ways to help out.
Cash and checks made out to United Way can be brought to the United Way office, 662 E. Main St. in Centreville. The office is available at 269-467-9099 for donations made by credit card.
Food donations can be made at the Centreville office or boxes in the community that display the United Way flyer.
United Way in Centreville is also collecting new toys and new or gently used winter apparel for its coat and toy drive. These can also be dropped off at the Centreville office.
Homeless Awareness Month continues, and a hygiene item drive is taking place through Saturday, November 30. Deodorant, bar soap, small bottles of liquid body soap, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and more are being accepted at the following locations:
- First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers
- Hair Designs, 112 W. Prutzman St., Three Rivers
- Habitat for Humanity, 240 W. Main St., Centreville
- Yoder’s Country Market, 375 Eleanor Dr., Centreville
- St. John’s Episcopal Church, 110 S. Clay St., Sturgis
- Grace Christian Fellowship, 300 Timothy Dr., Sturgis
- Panache Salon, 206 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis
Three Rivers First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main St., is accepting new and gently used blankets as part of a drive going on through Saturday, November 30. They can be donated between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday and Friday, and 12-3 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday.
The Burr Oak Township Library, 220 S. Second St. in Burr Oak, is partnering with the Burr Oak Grange for a mitten tree from now through Sunday, December 15. The tree can be decorated with hats, mittens, or scarves for kids and adults. Donations will go to local residents, domestic assault shelters, and other organizations in St. Joseph County.
On Wednesday, November 27, the night before Thanksgiving, the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority will have free in-county transportation between 7 p.m.-2 a.m. People receiving the rides will only be transported from an establishment or home to their own home, not to any additional party or location. No pre-booking in needed. Just call for your free ride when you are ready to go home.
- In the Three Rivers, Constantine, Centreville, and Mendon areas, call 269-330-6664.
- In the Sturgis, Burr Oak, Colon, and White Pigeon areas, call 269-330-8267
Thanksgiving itself, Thursday, November 28, will include the Beast Before the Feast 5K and the Turkey Trot Fun Run/Walk. Both are free events from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The race starts and finishes on the track in Sweetland Stadium, 1 Falcon Dr. in Constantine. Donations of non-perishable items to the Constantine Food Bank will be accepted. Dress up in your favorite Thanksgiving Day outfit.
Did we miss an opportunity? If so, send an email to frank@watershedvoice.com.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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