Recognizing a pressing need

When Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) became aware that local homeless shelters were having difficulty keeping up with the demand of those who are experiencing homelessness in our communities, they decided to help by hosting an Essential Goods Drive. They reached out to their members, employees, and communities for donations of basic necessities - and the response was incredible! 

 

KCCU collected toiletries, personal hygiene items, new socks, underwear, t-shirts, towels, and other basic essential items. Everything collected will be distributed to those in need through their shelter partners: Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Battle Creek Homeless Shelter, Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids, and Three River’s Domestic and Sexual Assault Services. Through the generosity of their members, team, and community, KCCU was able to provide carloads of much needed supplies to our shelter partners. In addition, KCCU pledged $500 to each of these organizations for a total of $2,500 to be used for other immediate needs of each shelter. 

 

“KCCU is proud to support our local shelters, that not only provide critical help to those facing homelessness, but also bring hope to the individuals and families utilizing their services,” said Tracy Miller, KCCU’s CEO. “I am proud of the heart-warming generosity of our members, team, and community. Together, we have truly made a difference in the lives of those in need.”

 

“The help of businesses like Kellogg Community Credit Union is vital in supporting those in our community who are working towards a fresh start,” stated Lynn Russcher who is the VP of Advancement at Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries. “As a ministry, we know we cannot do this without the support of generous individuals who have a heart to help. The adage…we are better together, really is truth. We are grateful to Kellogg Community Credit Union for their support.”

 

“Moving the needle on homelessness is a community effort, and we are grateful to have partners like Kellogg Community Credit Union who are committed to making a difference. Their donation of essential hygiene items and financial support will be put to good use right away to provide compassionate care to individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness,” said Dennis Van Kampen, President/CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries.

 

"We value our partnership with KCCU and its efforts in support of our community. We all share the responsibility to help our most vulnerable population," stated Kevin Patrick, Director of the Battle Creek Homeless Shelter.

 

 

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Kellogg Community Credit Union, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in West Michigan. With $844 million in assets, KCCU proudly serves over 51,000 members in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Richland, Grand Rapids, and Three Rivers. A community leader since 1941, KCCU consistently outperforms other financial institutions with outstanding service satisfaction ratings and a long history of growth. For more information, please visit www.kelloggccu.org. Connect with Kellogg Community Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

 

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries Vision Statement, “We see a ministry where lives of the homeless and those in need are constantly being transformed by the truth of the Gospel with the collaboration of our community.” Visit www.kzoogospel.org for more information.

 

Battle Creek Homeless Shelter provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These services include overnight accommodations and meals and showers. Those in need will also be linked to other services providing such things as permanent housing, employment, and mental health support. Visit www.bchomelessshelter.com for more information.

 

Mel Trotter Ministries Mission Statement, “Mel Trotter Ministries exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ, through rescue and restoration for anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness.” Visit www.meltrotter.org.org for more information.

 

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services is an organization that is dedicated to putting an end to domestic violence and sexual assault in Southwest Michigan and has been in existence for over twenty-five years serving victims and their families in Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. Visit www.dasasmi.org for more information.