The Father Fred Frostbite Food Drive, Jan 15-24, welcomes two new sponsors this year, Fox Grand Traverse and The Homestead Resort.
Fox Grand Traverse, located on US 31-North, is a donation collection site for this year’s drive. The Homestead Resort, in Glen Arbor, is donating free ski passes as an extra incentive to Frostbite donors who drop their donation at the Fox Grand Traverse location.
“In addition to helping collect food and donations, Fox Grand Traverse will help promote the food drive this year through a number of media outlets,” said David Abeel, Director of Development. “Pantries in northern Michigan have seen big increases in demand this year. The Father Fred pantry, for example, experienced a 40 percent increase in families seeking help. It is our hope that with the additional media support from Fox Grand Traverse more people will know about the food drive and make a donation.”
In addition to the Fox Grand Traverse location, Frostbite donations may be dropped at Garfield Plaza in front of Agave Mexican Grill. Volunteers at both locations will be ready to receive your donations of food and cash from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the drive.
For people in the Kalkaska area, donations may be dropped at the Forest Area Credit Union, 782 South Cedar Street, Kalkaska. Proceeds from this location will benefit Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources.
“Families are hungry and struggling to get through difficult times,” said Martie Manty, Executive Director. “The Frostbite Drive, now in its 16th year, is a great way for all ages in the community to respond to that need. We find the experience of making a gift – weather a gift of food or a donation that will enable us to buy additional food for our pantry – brings a warm feeling to everyone involved. Fill the Pantry / Warm a Heart is our theme for this year’s drive.
I’m sure Father Fred would be thrilled to see how this event has grown and flourished over the years through the generosity of our community.”
For those wanting the convenience of donating from home or office can make a secure donation over the Internet. A list of preferred food or personal care items that are needed most can be found right here. Or, just call the Foundation at 947-2055. Mail should be sent to P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685.
