Join the Fight Against Hunger This Holiday Season
Pack to Give Back: Harvesters Holiday Boxes
During this festive time, Harvesters' Holiday Boxes offer a wonderful opportunity to bring joy and warmth to tables. These boxes are filled with holiday meal staples such as stuffing, canned vegetables, soups, and dessert mixes. Donors take part in assembling these boxes, ensuring that families who might otherwise go without can experience the joy of the holidays. Each box is a symbol of comfort and hope in challenging times, providing a delicious meal for those in need.Not only do these boxes bring immediate relief, but they also create a sense of community. Imagine the smiles on the faces of families as they receive these carefully assembled boxes. It's a small act that can make a big difference in someone's life.Give Recipes for Hope
The Give Recipes for Hope program is another amazing way to support families in need. By purchasing Harvesters’ Recipes for Hope holiday cards, you are not only giving a thoughtful gift to friends, family, and co-workers but also providing hunger relief to local families. These cards feature cheerful messages and a special recipe from a local chef. Orders placed by Dec. 9 even include a personalized signature and will be directly mailed to recipients.It's a simple yet powerful way to contribute to the fight against hunger. These recipes not only bring a taste of the holidays but also remind us of the importance of coming together to support one another.Donate Non-Perishable Food Items
Community members have the power to make a direct and lasting impact by donating non-perishable food items. By dropping off items at various locations like Price Chopper, Hy-Vee, and Dillons stores, you are helping to restock shelves and ensure families have access to nutritious meals. High-priority items such as canned fruits and vegetables, soups, rice, and cereals are in high demand.Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those facing hunger. It shows that we care and are willing to take action to help our neighbors in need.Volunteer with Harvesters
Volunteers are the backbone of Harvesters' mission to fight hunger. From sorting donations to assisting with mobile distributions and partnering with agencies, volunteers play a crucial role in getting food to those who need it most. Whether you're an individual or a group, joining the effort is a meaningful way to give back.Volunteering allows you to see firsthand the impact your actions can have. It's a chance to connect with others who share the same goal of ending hunger and making a positive difference in the community.With the continued support of the community, Harvesters officials are confident that they can continue to work towards ending hunger and ensuring everyone can celebrate the holidays. Let's all come together and make this holiday season one of hope and kindness.For more information about how to participate in these efforts, click HERE.Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved."Turkey Tales: How Larry and Norma Earned Their Pardon and Helped the Community"
Spared from the Dinner Plate
Larry and Norma were saved from being gobbled up as "Dinner" this year through the remarkable efforts of 1,507 votes. This shows the strong sense of community and compassion that came together to ensure their survival.The community's generosity truly shone through as a total of 3,873 food items were donated to Transform Burien's Food Bank. This significant donation will have a lasting impact on local families in need, providing them with essential sustenance during the holiday season.
A special mention goes to Mrs. Eaton's 2nd grade class at Gatewood Elementary School. They contributed more than 500 cans of food, demonstrating the power of education and community involvement. Organizers joked that many of the class's donations were specifically aimed at sparing the birds, highlighting the emotional connection that the community has with these turkeys.
Back Home with a Surprise
"Larry and Norma are now back home, reunited with their chicken crew," said event organizer Candace Krull. Despite the challenges of a bomb cyclone and power outages, Norma even managed to lay nine eggs during the food drive.Although a few eggs had a rough journey, six survivors were safely tucked into the incubator. Norma has now moved on from her egg-laying phase and is back home with her flock.
This event not only saved the turkeys but also brought the community together. It added a touch of holiday fun while supporting a worthy cause. The unique tradition of the turkey vote has become a symbol of community spirit and generosity.
Read our extensive coverage of previous "Dinner or Pardon" events here to learn more about this amazing tradition and the impact it has on the community.
Photos courtesy Candace Krull capture the essence of this event, showing the joy and camaraderie of the community.
Impact of Horticulture Programs
The Muskegon Correctional Facility horticulture program achieved its largest harvest ever this year, donating nearly 25,000 pounds of produce to multiple food pantries and organizations. The Women’s Huron Valley horticulture program has been equally productive, supplying over 15,000 pounds of vegetables to Food Gatherers. These programs not only teach valuable skills but also give back to the community.Vocational programs like horticulture help students gain the knowledge and confidence needed for success after release. As Kyle Kaminski, Offender Success Administrator, stated, “The horticulture program is especially impactful as it provides a sense of community as we all work together for the greater good of our communities.”
MDOC operates two CTE vocational programs in horticulture – one at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and one at Muskegon Correctional Facility. In addition, 17 facilities host recreational gardens where individuals with a positive institutional record contribute their time and efforts.
Gardens Across the State
Lakeland Correctional Facility donated 20,032 pounds to the Branch Area Food Pantry. Kinross Correctional Facility donated 10,694 pounds to the Sault Ste. Marie Salvation Army, including 560 pounds of pumpkins. Cooper Street Correctional Facility donated 8,077 pounds to the Salvation Army in Jackson. Gus Harrison Correctional Facility donated 5,222 pounds to Fishes and Loaves Soup Kitchen, ProMedica Veggie Mobile, and Daily Bread Food Pantry. Thumb Correctional Facility donated 2,000 pounds to Stone Soup Pantry in Lapeer. Carson City Correctional Facility donated over 1,000 pounds to the Beacon of Hope Family Care Center in St. Johns. Newberry Correctional Facility donated over 600 pounds of produce, with 307 pounds of pumpkins going to the Yooper Youth Halloween Carnival.These donations have been crucial in providing food for families in need across the state. As MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said, “These donations wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our gardeners and the MDOC staff.”
Pumpkin Project Fundraiser
The Alger Correctional Facility’s pumpkins have been used for an annual Pumpkin Project fundraiser. Participants use their creativity to paint the pumpkins, which are then sold to raise funds for the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight. This year’s fundraiser raised $550 for the organization that helps fly Upper Michigan veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials.MDOC gardens have been donating food and raising funds for various charities for over a decade. Non-profits and pantries interested in partnering for the 2025 growing season can reach out to Jenni Riehle, MDOC Public Information Officer at 517-241-0363.