The members of Trinity Lutheran Church have a long tradition of responding to the ongoing needs in our community. The need is greater now than ever before to help those less fortunate with basic needs such as housing and food. Please consider helping in any way that you can while still being aware of health safety considerations. Volunteer services are essential to the community and the greater world as a whole. There is also a dire need for financial support throughout the Grand Rapids area of non-profits. Clearly, it would be impossible to make an exhaustive list of current opportunities to be of help. Please consider some of the opportunities listed below while continuing to be aware of others that become apparent to you.
State of Michigan: Go to the State of Michigan website often to find many ways to volunteer
Donate blood: As you may have heard, the need for blood is especially urgent. Please know that every effort is being made to keep donors safe. Schedule an appointment by going here or calling 616-774-2300. Trinity hosts blood drives quarterly. The next blood drive at Trinity is December 5, 2022.
Donate Basic Necessities: “In the Image” is not taking their usual donations during the Covid- 19 crisis but, by appointment, you may drop off items such as unopened personal hygiene products like shampoo and deodorant, brand new cleaning/disinfectant products, baby items like formula and diapers and other basic necessities. For details about requested items and how to schedule an appointment, click here to find out more about “Express Giving.” Financial donations are also greatly appreciated.
Housing the Homeless: Did you know that Trinity and other Grand Rapids area churches act as temporary shelters for families receiving help through Family Promise? Through their Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) program, Family Promise helps families facing homelessness to get back on their feet. Please consider volunteering your time when Trinity hosts IHN families, or making financial gifts that will be used to support families, transportation, day care needs, and food. Click here to learn more about donating. Please also consider helping families with critical needs items through “Ready To Go Bags.” Additional information can be found on the Family Promise website linked above.
Volunteer your time: If you are at low risk for becoming severely ill, please consider volunteering through “Heartside Gleaning.” Their Good Food Box Program is helping to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in Roosevelt Park. These families were already struggling prior to our recent events. Since universities are still receiving food with no students, there is a potential for a lot of fruits and vegetables to be distributed each week. Volunteers meet outside at the farmer’s market where the produce is delivered. Teens and college students are welcome. It takes about 2 hours from 2 to 4 p.m. each Wednesday. Please click here to sign up to volunteer for a specific date
Walk for Good Food: While there are many things in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, you can still go for a walk as long as you practice social distancing. Many of you might remember the annual Hunger Walks through “Access of West Michigan.” It is now called the Walk for Good Food. Visit their website to find out how you can help raise funds to address hunger issues in our community.
Dégagé Ministries: This non-profit provides critical needs for the most vulnerable population in Grand Rapids. Please go to their website to make a financial donation or purchase much needed supplies through their Amazon account. Items purchased will be delivered directly to Dégagé.
Feeding America West Michigan: This organization is critical to the effectiveness of all of the local pantries as they make food available for distribution at a discount rate. $1 helps to provide four meals. Please click here to donate.
Lutheran World Relief: There are a variety of ways to support Lutheran World Relief, an organization that works to bring assistance to areas hit by severe weather, war, sickness, and other forms of instability. For additional information and/or to make a donation, please click here.