Kentwood Annual Holiday Giving Programs

Adopt-A-Child photo last year at City Hall as part of Kentwood’s Annual Holiday Giving Programs. Read the details of this program below. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

The City of Kentwood is pleased to announce the return of its annual Holiday Giving Programs, designed to bring joy, warmth and community support to local children, seniors and families during the holiday season.

“The holiday giving programs are a wonderful way for our community to come together and support neighbors in need,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Every donation and act of generosity helps make the season brighter for families, children and seniors across Kentwood.”

Giving Programs:

Adopt-A-Child (Nov. 12 through Dec. 8) — In its ninth year, organized by the City Treasurer, Laurie Sheldon, this initiative supports students at Kentwood Public Schools who are experiencing homelessness. Over 300 KPS students are currently experiencing homelessness. Participants select a gift tag on the Giving Trees (located at Kentwood Activities Center, City Hall, KDL Richard L. Root Branch), purchase items (gifts, toiletries, blankets, snacks), and return them unwrapped to designated drop-off locations. Also launching is the “100 Hearts for Kentwood Kids” campaign, encouraging at least 100 donors to contribute $100, or any amount, to participate. Program Partners: Kentwood Public Schools, Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, Kentwood Parks and Recreation, and the South Kent Chamber Foundation.

For monetary donations: you may donate in person at City Hall or via Venmo: @SouthKentChamber

To purchase individual items or locations of the Giving Trees please visit our website: https://www.kentwood.us/holiday_giving_programs/

“We started the Adopt a Child Program with a simple goal, to make sure no child in our community feels forgotten during the holidays,” said Laurie Sheldon, City of Kentwood Treasurer. “What has happened over the past nine years is incredible. Our neighbors and partners continue to show up with generosity, and it is truly heartwarming.”

Ben Kurakazusampson, representative from the Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, added, “As first responders, we see the impact of hardship on families every day. This program gives us a meaningful way to give back, to bring smiles, restore dignity, and remind our kids that they matter.”

Be a Santa to a Senior (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — A partnership with Home Instead Senior Care invites the community to select tags from the “Senior Santa Tree,” located at the Kentwood Activities Center, purchase and wrap gifts for local seniors, and return them to the KAC by December 17.

Holiday Hat & Mitten Tree (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used warm clothing items such as hats, scarves, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets to the tree located at the Kentwood Activities Center (KAC). Items will be distributed through school systems and community organizations.

Kentwood’s Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry — Established in 2017, the Little Free Pantry, a year-round initiative accepting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items. Financial donations also are accepted.

Community members may visit either location to drop off donations or utilize the pantry:

Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during normal business hours
Kent District Library – Richard L. Root/Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, during library hours

A Kentwood Little Free Pantry Collection Bin. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

“Free food pantries help ensure every family can enjoy nourishing meals during the holiday season, and our community’s generosity makes that possible,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation Director.

Learn more about the Little Free Pantry, suggested donations, and collection bin locations: www.kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry

For more information on all these giving programs please visit: https://www.kentwood.us/holiday_giving_programs/