Mel Trotter Ministries collecting coats for homeless across Grand Rapids beginning Sept. 1, 2022. (MLive File Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Mel Trotter Ministries is preparing for the winter months’ freezing temperatures by planning a coat drive for people experiencing homelessness in the Grand Rapids community.

The ministry, which houses men, women and children every night, coat drive for new or gently used coats is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.

“Winters are a difficult season for those experiencing homelessness in West Michigan,” said Dennis VanKampen, president and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “And something as simple as a coat can help protect someone from hypothermia, frostbite and even death.”

Mel Trotter hopes to collect 600 coats, so those in need can pick from a variety of coats free of charge in October.

By partnering with Mercantile Bank and Curtis Cleaners, multiple drop-off locations will be available throughout the city at the following locations:

“We are proud to work with Mel Trotter Ministries on this important community initiative,” said Cathy Calveneau, vice president and branch manager of Mercantile Bank. “We hope that as people are preparing their own family for winter, they’ll donate their gently used coats or even pick up an extra coat for those in need and drop them off at one of our drop-off locations.”

Due to the construction, Mel Trotter Ministries will only be a drop-off location from September 1 to October 2. For more information, visit www.meltrotter.org or call 616-588-8792.

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