History

In 1993, The Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday Food Drive began with a few law enforcement agencies and one school providing food baskets for 40 Kalamazoo Area families the weekend prior to Christmas. The following year, additional law enforcements agencies, more schools and a few businesses supported the food drive. With this added support, food baskets were provided to 75 Kalamazoo Area families. Each successive year the number of law enforcement agencies, businesses, schools and private citizens supporting the food drive grew and so did the number of families served. What began in 1993 with a handful of volunteers and food for 40 families has evolved into the Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday Food Drive, the largest holiday food distribution program in West Michigan. Currently, over 100 agencies, including, The Salvation Army, The Department of Human Services, The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, businesses, schools and hundreds of citizens provide the funds and volunteer hours to continue this effort to lend a helping hand to Kalamazoo Area families during the holiday season.

Quick Facts:

• 2009 will be the 17th year for the food drive.
• Law enforcement agencies, service organizations, local schools, businesses and volunteers work together to make the Holiday Food Drive a success.
• The food baskets contain fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and bread along with non-perishable food items.
• Food baskets go to families nominated by The Salvation Army, The Department of Human Services, Kalamazoo County Family Court and participating schools.
• Families are notified by mail regarding date and time of delivery and must personally accept the food baskets when delivered.
• Donations will be brought to the Hazel-Gray Building at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds on Friday, December 18th. Volunteers will sort and count all the items beginning at 6:00 PM.
• Volunteers will be packing boxes on Saturday, December 19th starting at 9:30 AM. Donuts, coffee, and juice will be served at 9:00 AM. Deliveries will begin at approximately 10:00 AM and should be completed by 2:00 PM. Any deliveries that are not completed (no one at home to accept the boxes) will be taken to the Salvation Army and distributed from there.
• 1500 families received a food basket during the 2008 Food Drive. In 2009, 1500 families will receive a food basket on December 19th.
• All money collected goes towards the food baskets. No one receives a salary or any compensation for their time working on the food drive.
• Donations should be made out to The Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday Food Drive and may be sent to PO Box 19851 Kalamazoo, MI 49019.
• The Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday Food Drive is a non-profit agency recognized by the State of Michigan (501(c)3).
• Individuals wishing to volunteer should contact Hugh or Dottie Hoyle at 269-349-8023 or Ann Triemstra at 269-385-2361.
• Visit kalamazooholidayfooddrive.com for more information.