Portage D&W Fresh Market

Carts full of donations greeted the Christmas in May volunteers at the Portage D&W. Then, Menards in Portage made a large donation to the Christmas in May campaign.

Just before noon, Culver's donated 250 tokens for free ice cream in exchange for Christmas In May donations in Portage. Moments later, volunteers loaded 549 diapers and baby wipes from donors.

Eve Salonspa donated shampoo and conditioner around 12:20 p.m.

D&W donated 136 rolls of toilet paper, plus paper towels and tissues - and they made lunch for the Christmas in May volunteers.

Storm Team 8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer is at the D&W on Romence in Portage.

Items Collected in Portage

Toilet Paper - 716
Toothbrush and Toothpaste - 538
Deodorant - 79
Shampoo and Conditioner - 625
Bar Soap - 637
Dish Soap - 94
Laundry Detergent - 54
Diapers - 1725
Miscellaneous -

Families. Married couples. Folks trying to stretch their budgets. These are the kinds of people who are seeking help today from Ministry in Community, a Kalamazoo mission that provides myriad services to people in need.

"We have been seeing many new faces coming in," said Monika Trahe, Development Coordinator for Ministry in Community. "Since we have been in the community for nearly thirty years we normally know most of the people who walk through our door. Recently though, due to the economy, it has been overwhelming seeing all of these new people."

Collection site:
D&W Fresh Market
525 Romence
Portage

Distributing Pantry:
Ministry with Community
440 N. Church St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
www.ministrywithcommunity.org