Big Hearts in Grand Rapids to Help Homeless On Thanksgiving

Five years ago, my friend John from Smitter Pest Control was struck by the image of so many people losing so many things. The homeless in Grand Rapids were moved out of their camps and downtown location that really was their only home. They were lost.

John wanted to help, but what could he do. He did something small in a big-time way. He started "Blessing On The Street," a Thanksgiving Day event to help so many in need. Year one was John and the employees of Smitter, down on South Division, handing out coats, gloves, shoes, anything people would donate, the people in deep need.

This Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, will be the 6th Annual Blessing on the Street and boy has it grown.

TODAY, November 25 is donation day and I'm hoping you can help. John and his crew will be at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Lakeside Dr., SE from 2 to 5 pm to accept clothing, winter coats, hats, mittens, tarps, gloves, boots and shoes, and personal care items. They will then sort and tag the items. The need is incredibly great and your donation will be helping not only men and women but children going through a very bad time right now.

On Thanksgiving Day, more than 70 volunteers will be working hard to make sure that so many folks in Grand Rapids currently living a tough life, feel a little more love. Not only with needed clothing, but a warm meal. Last year they served over 2800 people. Staggering, isn't it. The need is there.

They will be at a new location this year on Thanksgiving Day. In the past it has been held at Division and Cherry, but with it's growth they are moving to Heartside Park to have more space for everyone.

What do John and the volunteers get out of this? The warm feeling of being able to help people, for one thing. Especially when you hear someone come up to you and say, "Thank you for making me feel like a person, and that someone cares about me."